Knowledge and Awareness on Risk Factors of Breast Cancer Among Post- Menopausal Women

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide and is the second most diagnosed cancer in Indian women. In India, the number of new breast cancer cases is about 115,000 per year and this is expected to rise to 250,000 new cases per year by 2015. It needs to be noted that breast cancer is leading in the age groups of 15-34 years which is a cause of concern as this denotes the need for educative and awareness programs targeting younger members of the society, to implement early practices of breast examination. The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness on risk factors of breast cancer among post-menopausal women. A self-structured questionnaire was designed and consisted of questions regarding the awareness on various risk factors of breast cancer. The questionnaire was distributed through an online forum. The study population included 100 menopausal women belonging to age group of 40-70 years. The questions were carefully studied and the corresponding answers were marked by the participants. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Most women were aware about breast cancer; however, they were not aware about the risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer completely. It is noted that only 28% of the women were aware about the breast self-examination and 39% of them are under regular check up by doctor for breast evaluation. Within the limitations of the study, we can conclude though the study group population women were aware about breast cancer, they were not aware about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment. Health education camps, breast selfexamination education, seminars may be conducted to create awareness on risk factors of breast cancer among post-menopausal women.