BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND SCREENING USING BSE, CBE AND CLINICAL FOLLOW UP AMONG RURAL WOMEN OF TRIPURA, NORTH-EAST INDIA

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer morbidity and mortality among females around the globe. In India its the second most common cancer in females which is chiefly attributed to lack of knowledge on breast cancer and Breast Self Examination (BSE) especially among rural women. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of awareness on breast cancer, BSE and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) of rural women having breast problems and their follow up.

Methodology: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the rural area around AGMC, Agartala, Tripura among the women. The data was collected by social workers from door to door using a predesigned questionnaire covering various aspects. Brief talk on awareness and BSE was given in form of on-site group discussions.

Results: Out of 774 participants, majority belonged to the age group of 40-50 years having school level education(46.8%), married(88.5%), home maker(54.6%), below poverty line (58.8%). Most common electronic source of information were television/radio(75.4%). Most of them identified family history(72.7%) as risk factor & breast lump(100%) as most common symptom of breast cancer. Lacking knowledge about BSE(40.3%) was identified as an important barrier for conducting it. Only 17.8% practiced BSE.

Conclusions: This study showed that the overall knowledge of breast cancer and BSE is inadequate and insufficient which warrants effective sensitization by public health education/programmes thus enhancing the knowledge and prevention strategies. This will help in early detection of breast cancer thus reducing morbidity, mortality and burden of disease.