A Study of Awareness about Breast Cancer and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Female Respondents in Dhaka

Abstract

Breast cancer in women is a major health burden both in developed and developing countries. It is the second leading cause of death in women worldwide as well as in Bangladesh. Recent global cancer statistics shows that global incidence is rising at a faster rate especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. But still breast cancer is not on the top of the priority list for the policy maker’s, donors and health professionals. But the prevailing situation can be more devastated if early attention is not given. To concentrate on this fast growing health problem will need to know the overall situation concerning incidence, prevalence, risk group, diagnostic and treatment status survival and mortality rate first to make a comprehensive policy to cope with breast cancer situation in Bangladesh. To evaluate the knowledge and practices about breast cancer among women, this present study was conducted. Data were collected from 250 female respondents by a pre-structured questionnaire in different locations of Dhaka. The data were coded, entered, and analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2010. The data were analyzed by descriptive studies and expressed as percentage and plotted with pie and bar diagrams. Breast cancer was known to 70% women (n=250).In our present study 74% respondents were married and 87% respondents had children. Knowledge about sign, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment was good among the women. Results showed that 21% women had knowledge about performing breast self-exam and 17% had heard about mammography. Overall, to controlling the morbidity and mortality rate of breast cancer we should increase the level of knowledge and we should take some steps to spread the knowledge and awareness about breast cancer.