Practice of Breast Self-Exam and Awareness of Breast Cancer Among Rural Women in Ernakulam District, Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women worldwide. In India, breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women, accounting for 28% of all cancers. Despite good health indicators, breast cancer is a public health problem in Kerala with an annual incidence of 14.9/100,000 population. This study aims to estimate the proportion of women who practice breast self-exam (BSE) in rural areas of Ernakulam district and to assess the awareness of breast cancer in the same community. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Ernakulam district, among 267 females aged 20 to 70 years, selected by cluster sampling. After obtaining consent from the participants, data were collected using a pretested, self-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Among the 267 study participants, 57.7% practice BSE. Among those respondents practicing BSE, only 16.9% practice it regularly at monthly intervals, 49.1% of the respondents had good knowledge on the practice of BSE, and 57.3% of the respondents had good awareness on breast cancer. Education, Occupation, and Socioeconomic status was associated with knowledge on practices of BSE and awareness of breast cancer with P value of <0.05. There was a correlation between knowledge on practice of BSE and awareness of breast cancer. Conclusion: The regular practice of BSE is very low, though the knowledge of BSE scored Good in nearly half of the respondents. Educational programs stressing on the importance of regular practice of BSE are the need of the hour.