A Descriptive study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among women in selected area, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women and leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the developed and developing countries. In females, Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer, with around 70,000 new cases being detected each year in India. Early detection and treatment can decrease the incidence rate of Breast Cancer. Breast Self-Examination plays the vital role in the early detection of Breast Cancer. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice and attitude regarding Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among women of age group 35-70 years Annandale, Shimla. Quantitative research approach was used with non-experimental research design. A total of 40 females were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through structured knowledge questionnaires, likert scale and checklist. Frequency distributions and percentages were used to describe the knowledge tested within the questionnaire. The result shows that mean score of knowledge was 9.7, attitude score was 25.4 and practice score was 5.2. Then the correlation score of knowledge and practice was 0.059. The findings show that there is negative correlation between knowledge and practice level of women. The study revealed that respondent’s knowledge of breast cancer and practice of Breast Self-Examination is less than expected.