Breast Cancer Awareness: Perceived Barriers and scope of Peer Advisor To Its Early Detection Among Women, in An Urban Slum of Kolkata

Background:Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, reportedly responsible for 9.6 million deaths in 20181.Delay in approaching health care causes late treatment while screening promotes early treatment. An assessment of the feasibility of the role of peer advisor, a member of the community to navigate breast related awareness among women at risk for breast related disease was done Method: Cross-sectional study of sample size of 100 in selected borough under Kolkata municipal ward. Pretested structured questionnaire was used on consenting eligible women in enlisted household.Data was entered and analysed in microsoft excel Result:.Of the total study population 50% had heard about breast cancer, 24% had heard about breast related disease from friend and family Four percent had heard about SBE,while 10% knew about mammography. Fifty seven percent felt shy to touch breast , 36% were embarrassed to speak a doctor and 19% were shy to speak to a family member. Considering all the information willing and capable women attending health care sector from a community may be taken up for a one to one training to disseminate information to the peer women in the community. Conclusion: Women are more open to discuss breast related problem / examination from similar aged peer within the comfort of their own homes. Thus, the concept of peer advisor may be explored in the next step of research to find out its feasibility and acceptability along with efficacy.