“A cross-sectional study to assess the awareness regarding breast cancer among girls of Jhalawar College of Nursing, Jhalawar.”

Background: The illness is now more common in younger women, accounting for roughly 52% of all cases of breast cancer. In India, there are significant regional differences in the incidence of breast cancer, with higher rates seen in big cities as opposed to their rural and semi-urban equivalents. There is no such research in Jhalawar region on this subject. Aim and objectives were to assess awareness related to breast cancer. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted on girls of studying in G.N.M. and B.Sc. Nursing course in Jhalawar Nursing College, Jhalawar (Raj.) A pretested and semi-structured questionnaire with informed consent was administrated among all participants. Results: Overall, 38% of the girls had adequate knowledge and 62% of the girls had inadequate knowledge regarding breast cancer. Based on the nursing course the G.N.M. 22% of the girls had adequate knowledge and 32% of the girls had inadequate and B.Sc. Nursing 16% of the girls had adequate knowledge and 30% of the girls had inadequate knowledge regarding breast cancer. Conclusions- The lack of adequate knowledge on important facts regarding the breast cancer is alarming and this needs to be addressed with due focus on providing health education by health care providers at various levels of health system. Keywords: Awareness, breast cancer, nursing.