European journal of molecular biology and biochemistry

EVALUATION OF AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, BARRIERS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS BREAST CANCER AMONG RURAL POPULATION IN & AROUND PONDICHERRY, INDIA

Mohanalakshmi T1, Prabhakar Reddy E2, Shrinuvasan S3, Kanagathara N4, Srikumar R1*, Vijayakumar R5, Naveenkumar C

rsrikumar_2003@yahoo.co.in

Breast Cancer; Breast selfexamination; Clinical Breast Examination, Knowledge, Awareness

Breast cancer has ranked first among Indian female population and they could be saved if they had timely access to early detection for treatment. The present study was designed to determine the awareness, knowledge, barriers and attitude on breast cancer among the rural population in and around Pondicherry, India by semi-structured questionnaire. Result showed only 21% of the studied population was aware of breast cancer, which includes about breast cancer (52%), Breast Self-Examination (10%), high risk in above 50 years of age (8%), non-lacting women (22%), hereditary (32%), early menstrual and later menopause (3%) and 1st child birth after 30yrs (22%). Over all 18.5.% had knowledge on breast cancer which includes at the age of 20 should do breast self-examination (BSE) and done every month on 7th day after menstruation(6%), clinical breast examination in 2 years once(2%), BSE done on standing with head supine position(1%), lump in breast with or without pain (32%), blood / pus discharge(38%), change in size, shape, colour of breast and inversion of nipple(22%) are the sign of breast cancer. The knowledge on clinical breast examination that done every year after 40 yrs (4%), screening methods (38%) and the treatment (24%) for cancer. Though awareness and knowledge about breast cancer was low but studied showed positive attitude want to know how to perform BSE(94%), check for CBE(62%), monthly performance of SEB(92%), regular yearly CBE(62%), immediate CBE if any lump or discharge (89%) observed and assured to create awareness and knowledge on breast cancer and BSE for their family members and friends (98%). The present study concludes that lack of awareness and knowledge about breast cancer and to perform BSE made barrier for most of the studied population for early screening and treatment for breast cancer