Cross-Sectional study on knowledge about breast cancer and breast self examination among female undergraduate students in Telangana, India

Abstract

Background: Breast Cancers are second most common cancers today. Regular breast self examination 1 (BSE), clinical examination and mammography are the three most recommended screening tests. Unlike clinical examination which requires hospital visit and mammography which is reliant on technology and expensive; BSE is an easy, quick, no-cost, non-invasive, self carried-out procedure. Aims & Objectives: Study was done to determine the awareness levels about BSE and breast cancers among female students, and empowering them with correct knowledge about the same. Study Design: Questionnaire based, cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting: Bhaskar Medical College and General Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study, using a pre-tested and semi structured questionnaire was carried out over the period of 2 months. Study population comprised of 381 female students in the age group of 18-24 years. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 2015. Results: The first sign of breast cancer being a lump or mass (86.9%), inheritance of abnormal genes (74.8%), rising age (73.5%), exposure to radiations/certain hormones (89.0%), late pregnancies (74.5%)as risk factors was found to be known to most. Only 50.9% recognized that BSE should be done at least once a month on a specific date and time. Around 44%, 36% and 56% didn't know that that BSE should be performed while standing, lying down and during baths. Conclusions: It was found that majority had adequate knowledge about various aspects of breast cancer. When it came to awareness about BSE, the knowledge about right technique, position and time were found to be scarce. Practice of BSE could be improved by properly educating young women and spreading awareness about its benefits.