Knowledge and Awareness of Early Detection Methods and Risk Factors towards Breast and Cervical Cancer in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract Background In developing countries global incidence of breast and cervical cancer is rising and the increase is occurring at a faster rate. Cancer is the sixth leading cause of death in Bangladesh. Objective: To investigate the awareness of early detection method, symptoms and risk factors towards breast and cervical cancer screening amongst young adult female students in Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 1004 adult female students at the age of (18 - 26) years were randomly included in the study using a multistage cluster sampling technique. A questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics and information related to their knowledge about breast and cervical cancer. Results: The results showed that about 61.3% participants were Undergraduate. Among them only 37.5% respondents aware about breast cancer risk; 25.7% aware about the detection method of breast cancer and only 21.1% have knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors. About 87.4% respondents have not any family history of cancer; 3.5% participants have sister or mother having breast tumor and 22.1% have at least more than one close relative who have cancer. Among the participants, only 2.5% drank alcohol; 24.7% girls wear tight bra; 4.1% have benign breast diseases. Participants with better knowledge score were 8.1% times more likely to practice BSE; only 6.3% were examined by clinically breast examination. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, knowledge of participants regarding breast and cervical cancer is very poor. Broad based study in large population with sound methodology is required to find out real situation about this matter in Bangladesh.