Publication:

Determination of awareness level of the female population, their attitude and behaviours towards understanding the risk factors associated with breast cancer

Background Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women all over the world. Due to the variation in cultural differences, diet and socio economic characters Indian women are more prone to the risk associated with breast cancer. Many women still remain ignorant about breast self-examination (BSE) which is the earliest and simplest way to detect breast cancer.

Methods A prospective observational study was done on 100 women during the period of 6 months to find the association between breast cancer and its risk factors and to evaluate the attitude of common women towards BSE using standardised questionnaire.

Results The BSE pattern of the participants showed that 65% had never done BSE and only 11% of the participants have knowledge about BSE and make it as a regular practice. Pain was the most common symptom reported by the women 32 (91.4%). The risk factors were also recorded and 46% of the participants were overweight, majority of the participants (69%) had a lactation period ranging from 1-2 years, 79 participants had undergone hormonal therapy, only 41% had a habit of doing regular physical activity. The literacy rate of the participants was 100%.

Conclusions Only a fewer proportion of the participants is aware about BSE, and other risk factors associated with breast cancer. Even with high literacy level majority of the women follow poor life style habits.