Knowledge and Awareness of Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms among Female Teachers in Selected Government Schools of the Embilipitiya Educational Zone, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and screening practices are important for the prevention and early detection of the disease. This study evaluated the knowledge and awareness among female schoolteachers of breast cancer risk factors and symptoms. Method: A survey was conducted at two selected government schools in the Rathnapura district, using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 117 teachers participated in this study. The most frequently identified risk factor was the family history (76.1%), while having large breasts was recognised as a risk factor by 24.8% participants. Most of the teachers identified a lump in the breast as a symptom of breast cancer (94.9%), and the least recognised symptom was nipple retraction (51.3%). The obtained mean knowledge scores were 7.18 ± 1.95 (out of 10) for symptoms and 5.53 ± 2.24 (out of 9) for risk factors. No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between participant demographic characteristics and knowledge and awareness of breast cancer risk factors and symptoms in this study. Conclusion: The majority of participants had adequate knowledge and awareness of breast cancer symptoms but average knowledge and awareness of risk factors. Therefore, the results highlight the importance of implementing educational programmes for schoolteachers to enhance their knowledge and awareness of risk factors for breast cancer.