Awareness Regarding Breast Cancer a Global Health Problem - A Study amongst Adult Women in Karachi

Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer amongst women  and  their  practice of breast self-examination.

Methods: A Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study was conducted in the community of Gulshan Town,  Karachi, during July 2013 to June 2014 through non-probability convenient sampling technique after taking written consent. The sample size of 560 was calculated by using World Health Organization (WHO) calculator. All women aged 20-40 years were included except those who had breast cancer and any type of swelling in the breast. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered and analysed on SPSS 16.  For  descriptive  statistic  mean  ±  SD  and  frequencies  were calculated.

Results: A total of 559 women participated.  Mean age of women was 30 ± 1.5 years. About 84% fe-  males were married, 37% attained education in universities and 71% were housewives. Around  34% women thought that frequency of breast cancer was present in one out of every 9 women, while, 60%    said breast cancer is a genetic disease. Those who said breast cancer is not accompanied by painful swelling were 61%. While 79% women said a swelling in the breast is not always breast cancer and 64% said that mastectomy is the only treatment of breast cancer. The women who said that use of contraceptives was closely associated with breast cancer were 69% women, 83%  thought  breast feeding decreases the risk of breast cancer while 45% women did not know what precautions to take  against breast cancer. Only 40% women said consumption of fruits and vegetables decreases the in- cidence of breast cancer. Regarding awareness of the breast self-examination, 56.9% responded  negatively.

Conclusion: The study concluded that overall knowledge regarding breast cancer was low. The practice of breast self-examination in this cohort of subjects was only 40%. We recommend public awareness regarding the risk and screening modalities for breast cancer, and breast self-examination be emphasised using mass media.