Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Introduction: The objectives of the study was to assess the level of knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination among working women and to find out whether the age, education, occupation and BSE awareness has influence on the level of knowledge on breast cancer and BSE. Materials and Methods: socio- demographic characteristics like age, education, occupation, income etc., (2) general knowledge like the type and curability and early detection of breast cancer, (3) risk factors like age, breastfeeding, age at first childbirth, early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, use of OCP pills, estrogen replacement therapy and physical activity, (4) symptoms like painless lump, nipple discharge, bleeding, retraction of nipple, asymmetric swollen breast and armpit lump, (5) treatment of breast cancer like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and (6). Results: In this study, majority (71.1%) of women were above 40 years of age. Most of the women were married (85.1%) and Hindu (85.9%) by religion. 51.4% of women were in the teaching cadre and 55.5% were with family income of less than Rs. 60,000. Knowledge had increased with women who had already heard of breast self-examination and it is statistically significant (p<0.01). There was no association found with the age and overall knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination (p=0.11). Conclusion: Active steps and necessary interventions should be taken to increase awareness such as breast cancer awareness campaigns through various levels of health workers. Some of these women could also be trained to act as peer educators for the students and other women in order to reduce the breast cancer morbidity and mortality.