Publication:

The Knowledge and attitude of breast self examination and mammography among rural women

Background Breast cancer is major public health concern in both developing and developed countries. Mortality due to breast cancer is high in India due to late detection, lack of awareness about screening methods and nonexistence of screening programs. To determine the level of awareness regarding breast cancer. To evaluate health beliefs concerning the model that promotes breast self- examination and mammography.

Methods Cross sectional study conducted over a period of 6 months in tertiary care hospital. Study population was 200 women between the ages of 40 and 65 years. Data was collected by structured questionnaire. Champion Health Belief Susceptibility Model was applied.

Results 75.5% women did not have adequate knowledge about breast cancer. 80% had no concept of BSE and 90 % were never heard of mammography. 4.5% had mammography in last one year. Insufficient knowledge about breast cancer was 1.55 times higher in who had no breast cancer in family, 1.76 times higher in women who never practiced BSE. Significant positive co relations were found between the knowledge of breast cancer and Susceptibility, Seriousness, Breast self-Examination Benefit, Breast self-Examination Barrier, Health Motivation. Age and breast cancer in the family variables significantly associated with BSE practice.

Conclusions Lack of knowledge amongst general public, influences prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer. Spreading awareness regarding breast cancer by educational programs through mass media is the need of the hour. By using CHBMS health care provider can understand beliefs that influence women BSE and mammography practice.