Knowledge and Myths Regarding Breast Cancer among Women in Ernakulam District

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer was the world’s most prevalent cancer by the end of 2020. This study aims to find out the knowledge and myths regarding breast cancer among women in Ernakulam district.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ernakulam district in the year 2022.Adult females aged more than 20 years were the study participants. Awareness about breast cancer, associated risk factors, and screening methods was assessed using a questionnaire in the local language. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 49.1 ± 12.2 years. 38 participants [27.14% (95% CI– 19.8, 35.3)] had adequate knowledge levels of symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for breast cancer. 132 (94.3 %) women believed in at least one of the mentioned myths. Most common were theuse of deodorants or perfumes (71.4%) and tight bras (64.3%), increased the risk of breast cancer. Participants who had a family history of breast cancer (p=0.03) and those from urban areas (p = 0.024) had significantly fewer myths regarding breast cancer.Conclusion: The knowledge among women regarding breast cancer was inadequate. It’s high time that health professionals take active steps to improve knowledge regarding breast cancer through campaigns and awareness classes.