A SURVEY TO KNOW THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE RELATED TO BREAST CANCER AMONG FEMALES IN LUCKNOW, INDIA.

K. B. Jain*, S. K. Gupta, Pratap Shankar, Dheeraj Singh, Sachin tutu, Preet Lakhani, Amod Kumar, R. K. Dixit

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer causing the largest burden of cancer deaths in women worldwide. More than one million women are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Different studies conducted have shown that knowledge of females regarding breast cancer is poor. The low survival rates in less developed countries can be explained mainly by the lack of early detection programmes, resulting in a high proportion of women presenting with late-stage disease, as well as by the lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment facilities. Aims and objectives: Aim of the study was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice among community dwelling females of Lucknow towards Breast Self Examination (BSE) and also to explore their knowledge about breast cancer. Material and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. 500 subjects were selected randomly and included in the study. Data collection was done by using questionnaires. Results: Knowledge of study participants about risk factors for breast cancer was low. . Around 50.2 % participants agreed that breast cancer is a major problem in women and identified breast cancer as the most common cancer in women. Only 24.4 % were aware that breast cancer could be inherited in some families. Only 27.4 % participants knew that breast cancer presents commonly as a painless breast lump. Only 39.6 % were able to correctly identify breast self-examination (BSE) as a method for detection of breast cancer. Conclusion: The result of our study has demonstrated the extremely low level of breast awareness among women in Lucknow. Women should be encouraged about BSE and CBE. Health education programmes, various NGOs and other organisation should focussed at creating awareness about methods of early diagnosis and treatments of breast cancer.

Keywords: breast cancer, self breast examination, knowledge, screening, prevention.