Awareness about breast cancer and outcome of teaching on breast self examination in female degree college students

Background: Breast Cancer is the most frequent cancer among women. Early detection of breast cancer can effectively reduce the subsequent mortality and morbidity. Breast Self Examination (BSE) is an important tool for screening as well as mass awareness. Objective: To assess the awareness among female students of the local degree college about breast cancer and BSE and the effectiveness of a breast cancer awareness programme in terms of increase in knowledge among the participants about breast cancer and BSE. Methods: 177 female students studying in a local degree college were included in the study after obtaining written consent. A pre-intervention questionnaire consisting of 20 questions related to demographic data, awareness and knowledge on breast cancer and BSE was administered. Teaching program that consisted of power point presentation regarding basic anatomy and physiology of the breast, risk factors for breast cancer and steps of BSE was introduced. Post intervention test was done by administering the same questionnaire after the teaching program. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 177 students, 80.8%(143) students had never heard/watched on BSE. 97.7%(173) had never performed BSE. After the intervention, there was statistically significant increase in correct answers for 10 among the 20 questions which included questions on anatomy and physiology of breast, transmission of breast cancer, age group affecting breast cancer, approach towards physician and methodology of BSE. Conclusion: The awareness program showed significant rise in knowledge on breast cancer and BSE. This effectiveness of the teaching program further implies the need of intensification of such awareness programs among the college going and older age groups as well. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd on behalf of Indian Journal of Medical Specialities.