Breast Cancer Literacy amongst Office Going Women of Delhi

Anita Khokhar

Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, India

^*Correspondance to: Anita Khokhar 

 PDF  Full Text Research Article | Open Access

Abstract:

Introduction: Breast cancer has steadily increased over the past decade to become the commonest form of cancer among women in India.Material and
Methods: The present cross-sectional, descriptive study was done in the year 2016. The instrument was adapted from Langer’s Comprehensive Breast Cancer Knowledge Test (CBCKT) after making some modifications as such a tool was not available for Indian population. The sample size was calculated assuming p to be 50%. Sample size to be included for the purpose the study was calculated to be 425. The sample size could be reached in 8 of the training programmes conducted in the year 2016. For a particular statement more than 50% correct responses was taken to be “good knowledge” and below that as “poor knowledge”.Results: Out of a total of 425 participants the mean age was 37.8 years. 256 (60.2%) of women had good knowledge about breast cancer being more common in women over 40 years. Least correct response was given for the statement that wearing tight bra could lead to irritation and breast cancer as only 42 (9.9%) knew that it was a wrong statement. There was good knowledge regarding only one symptom i.e. discharge of blood from the nipple was known to a maximum of 358 (84.2%) women correctly as a sign of breast cancer. Regarding screening of breast cancer maximum correct responses were given to the statement that Breast self examination is to be done by the lady herself 256 (60.2%) and that mammography is an X–ray of the breast 241 (56.7%). Regarding management maximum correct response was given for the statement that breast biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer and is must before starting the treatment 214 (50.3%). Those with graduation and above as educational qualification had a significantly higher knowledge about the statements discharge of blood from a nipple is a symptom of breast cancer, Breast self exam is to be done by a lady herself and mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts p < 0.05.

Keywords:

Breast cancer literacy; Office going women; Delhi

Cite the Article:

Khokhar A. Breast Cancer Literacy amongst Office Going Women of Delhi. Clin Oncol. 2018; 3: 1430.