A study to assess the knowledge regarding risk factors of breast cancer among women in rural area of Pappakovil at Nagapattinam.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a type of cancer among women in the world and one of the most common causes of cancer deaths. Women awareness on risk factors and screening is largely important in early detection. The aim of this study was to measure the knowledge level of risk factors of breast cancer among the women aged between 25 and 45 years living in a rural region of Pappakovil, Nagapattinam district. Methods: The purposive sampling of 60 women was used and an evaluation research approach was chosen. The structured interview schedule was composed of demographic information and questions on breast cancer risk factors and was used to collect the data. Findings: The findings showed that 3 out of every 5 women had poor knowledge, 2 out of every 5 women had moderate knowledge and only 3 of every 100 were aware of the risk factors associated with breast cancer having adequate knowledge. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and marital status (p < 0.05) but no significant relationship between knowledge and the other variables that were selected. Conclusion: The research shows that the general awareness of breast cancer risk variables among women in the area of study was low. These results lead to the conclusion that effective health education programs and community-based awareness activities are necessary to enhance knowledge, early detection, and the burden of breast cancer reduction.