BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN REGARDING RISK FACTORS IN UNDER-PRIVILEGED URBAN COMMUNITY OF CHANDIGARH, INDIA

*Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Naveen Krishan Goel, Dr. Meenu Kalia, Dr. Ekta, Muskan Kaur, Thwisha Gupta

ABSTRACT

Context: Breast cancer is the most commonly detected malignancy among women worldwide which has emerged as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. There is an urgent need to assess the current levels of perception and awareness about breast cancer among women in relation to their socio-demographic factors, particularly in under-privileged urban community. Aims and Objectives: Present study aims to assess patterns regarding breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and sources of information among women, and to analyze how socio-demographic variables such as age, socio-economic status (SES), and age at marriage influence these aspects. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey conducted among 204 women aged above 18 years of age in under-privileged urban community of Chandigarh, India. Convenient sampling was used and selected women were interviewed in privacy to collect information using semi structured interviews. Data variables included socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions and awareness of breast cancer and its risk factors, source of awareness. Mixed method analysis was adopted for data analysis Content analysis of qualitative responses was carried out. Results: The majority of women belonged to the age group of 19–25 years, accounting for 116 participants (56.9%), A total of 104 women (51.0%) perceived breast cancer as curable at an early stage. the most commonly identified symptom was breast pain, reported by 78 women (38.2%), followed by general awareness of breast cancer in 52 (25.5%). Swelling in the breast area was identified by 48 women (23.5%) and nipple discharge by 40 (19.6%). Nipple tenderness was mentioned by 34 (16.7%) respondents. Hereditary or family history and long menstrual cycles were each mentioned by 84 women (41.2%) each. Overall, 134 women (65.7%) were aware of at least one risk factor. Awareness was highest among women aged 36–49 and 50–59 years. Age and socioeconomic status were found significant correlates of awareness irrespective of age at marriage. Conclusion & Suggestion: Study findings indicated lack of awareness of breast cancer among women and several misconceptions regarding breast cancer and risk factors perceived by women. It is concluded that increasing awareness of symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer at early ages irrespective of their social characteristics is very crucial. Incorporating comprehensive health education at community level is essential to dispel these misconceptions, support prevention, and improve treatment outcomes in a more holistic way.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Awareness; Perceptions and beliefs; Risk factors; Symptoms.