A Study of Knowledge and Awareness about Breast Cancer among Female University Students of Dhaka

Abstract

The increase in global incidence of breast cancer is occurring at a faster rate in developing countries. A cross-sectional study was aimed to assess the level of knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, early warning signs, screening approaches and practice of breast self- examination (BSE). In total, 221 female students aged between 20-28 years from four distinct universities of Dhaka participated in the study. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Majority of them were unmarried (90.5%) and about 76.02% were undergraduate students. Breast cancer was known to 100% respondents and 68.33% of them mentioned electronic media as the main source of information. It was found that majority respondents mentioned pain and discomfort in the breast or armpit (57.01%) and change in size and shape (58.37%) as signs and symptoms, and genetic (68.33%) and breast feeding (47.96%) as risk factors of breast cancer. About 59.28% were aware about the treatment options. But only 27.15% were aware about the screening methods among whom majority mentioned BSE (76.67%) and mammography (71.67%) as the early screening method. No one could specify the correct procedure of BSE although 23.08% respondents informed that they observed breasts for any changes. Majority of them (79.19%) mentioned about the importance of early screening. In conclusion, we observed an insufficient knowledge and awareness in the study population about breast cancer screening methods. So, raising students' awareness regarding BC and BSE is important for early detection of this increasingly alarming disease. Initiating BC educational programs among university students is highly recommended.