Awareness, Attitude and Knowledge about Breast Cancer: A Survey based Study among Female Population of Bathinda

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the major public health problem globally. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in females in Punjab. Inspite of all of the epidemiological pointing towards a surge in breast cancer cases, the National Cancer Control Programme of India has yet not taken sufficient measures to understand the disease burden and to plan a course of action to cope with increasing cancer burden. Aim: The aim of this survey is to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding breast cancer in female population of Bathinda along with practice of Self breast examination. Materials and Methods: Using prospective study design, a self administered survey was conducted among representative population of Bathinda. The questionnaire was divided into 6 domains, as socio‑demographic characteristics, awareness about breast cancer and its spread, knowledge about symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer, knowledge about awareness of screening methods for breast cancer, awareness about breast cancer treatment approaches and attitude towards breast cancer. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the status of awareness among representative female population along with insights in their knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer. This model study revealed that there is a dive need of systematized awareness program, specifically designed to fill the gaps about the requisite knowledge about breast cancer. The findings of this study may act as a basis for devising such programs to stop the spread of this deadly disease by timely interventions.