Awareness of carcinoma breast in women of a selected village population

Abstract

Breast cancer is the commonest carcinoma among women and it accounts for 10% of all breast problems presented at clinics. A steady increase in incidence of breast carcinoma in Indian women is posing a great health. This study is done to assess the awareness among women of rural population against breast carcinoma and about importance of self- examination of breast [BSE] for screening and early diagnosis and treatment. This is a cross sectional observational study done at my village Chakiya in Bhojpur district of Bihar in October 2019. Hundred women in age group 18-49 years were included in the study who gave consent for participation. Women were asked about their knowledge and perception about breast carcinoma and BSE. Information about the disease was given to them and importance of BSE for early diagnosis and treatment was talked about in an interactive session. A 6 month follow up was taken to know the impact. Most of them had heard of breast carcinoma but 60% thought it affects the elderly women. Only 16% were aware of BSE but very few practiced it. In 6 months follow up this increased to 25 percent. Women with fibroadenoma (3), 6 women with fibroadenosis and 1 carcinoma breast was diagnosed in follow up period, for which they had not sought consultation before. Breast cancer in women is rising even in rural population and young age is not an exemption anymore. So, increased awareness and screening programmes are the need of time to decrease the incidence-mortality ratio.