BREAST CANCER AWARENESS, ATTITUDE, PERCEPTION AND SCREENING PRACTICES AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The study investigates the knowledge and attitude of female undergraduate students about different aspects of breast cancer and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE). The study enrolled 100 students. Questionnaires were distributed among the students which included questions about their socio-demographic information, knowledge about signs, symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer, attitude towards breast cancer and practice of BSE. Majority of the students were found to have good knowledge about common risk factors such as old age, family history, less physical activity, smoking, but there was a general inadequacy of information among the students regarding certain risk factors that are known to be related with the breast cancer like combined hormone therapy after menopause, early menarche and late menopause. The level of students' knowledge regarding certain signs of breast cancer like changed skin color of the breast, discharge of blood from the nipple was also inadequate. A positive attitude towards breast cancer was observed among the learners. The study also revealed that participants were well aware of BSE and had sufficient knowledge about it but most of them did not practice it. Lack of time and fear of finding an abnormality were identified as the main reasons for lack of practicing BSE. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness among women regarding risk factors, warning signs and early detection of breast cancer procedures to overcome the burden of this disease on society. Educational institutes can organize special workshops, seminars and awareness programs for educating women about breast cancer. Copyright (C) 2013 - All Rights Reserved - Pharmacophore