From Awareness to Action: Assessment of Breast Cancer, Self-Examination, and Mammography Knowledge with Subsequent Screening Among Urban Women

Dr. Keerthana C, Dr. Sambasivan Venkat, Dr. Ravindra Balaram Gurav

Abstract: Background: The most common cancer among women worldwide is breast cancer. It can be detected at an early stage through self - examination and mammography. This study aimed to assess the awareness of Breast cancer, breast self - examination (BSE) and Mammography among women in an urban area of western Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: This was a cross - sectional study conducted in an urban area. The study subjects were women >35 years of age, attending Urban Health Centre OPD. Socio - demographic factors and awareness about Breast cancer and its screening methods was recorded in pre - designed and pre - tested proforma by interviewing them. All the participants are screened for Breast Cancer using Mammography. The data is analysed with the help of suitable statistical methods. Results: 34 women were participated in the study.30 (88%) were aware of the disease Breast Cancer.16 (47%) were aware of Breast Self - Examination.8 (23%) were never done Brest Self - examination. Only 32% of women were aware of mammography screening. There is significant association of level of education of women and awareness of breast self - examination and mammography (p<0.05). Mammography result of the participants showed 52.9% of women had BIRADS 2 score, 41.1% of women had BIRADS 1 score. Conclusion: The knowledge about screening of breast cancer and among women are low. Efforts should be made to increase level of knowledge and practice of BSE and Mammography with the help of health education programs.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Awareness, Mammography, Screening, Urban Area