Level of knowledge regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination among working women in Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in worldwide. One potentially important strategy in reducing breast cancer mortality is the use of screening methods such as breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination, and mammography for early detection. This Study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding breast cancer and BSE among working women.Methods: A part of the interventional study was carried out among a total sample of 124 working women in Annamalai University. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information about the knowledge of breast cancer and BSE. The collected information was entered in Microsoft excel sheet and analysed using SPSS. One way ANOVA test has been applied to find out whether level of knowledge differs by age, education, occupation and BSE awareness.Results: Majority (67%) of women had inadequate knowledge on breast cancer and BSE. The education, occupation and breast self-awareness has influence on the knowledge level.Conclusions: The level of awareness on breast cancer and BSE among educated working women was low. Active steps and necessary interventions should be taken to increase awareness through health education program.