Knowledge and awareness regarding breast self-examination among female health workers in a rural block in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. It is located at an easily identifiable site, because of which it can be diagnosed early and treated. AIM: this study was undertaken to assess the awareness of female health workers regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE). Material and method: a cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural block of Himachal Pradesh among 56 female health workers in the age group of 20-58 years through a structured questionnaire. Results: 46% of the women were in the age group of 41-50 years of age and all of them were educated. All of the study subjects were well aware of breast cancer, but only 71% were aware of the importance of early detection. Only 34 out of 56 women knew about breast self-examination and only 11 were practicing it. But none of the female health workers were aware of the proper technique and interval of breast self-examination. Hence, training programs are needed for female health workers to enhance their knowledge of BSE, which will increase awareness among rural women as well.