Abstract PS3-05-07: Behind the Stethoscope: Breast Cancer Awareness Gaps Among Healthcare Workers : A Wake Up Call from Coastal South India

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a pivotal role in early detection, treatment, prevention and education strategies for breast cancer. However, there is limited data assessing their own levels of awareness and knowledge in resource-constraint settings. This survey aims to identify the gaps in breast cancer awareness among HCWs in Mangalore, a prominent healthcare hub in Southern India. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from June to July 2025 among 45 HCWs, including doctors from non-oncological specialties, nurses, paramedical staff, interns, and resident doctors, across four tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore. The validated questionnaire assessed knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, available treatment options and attitudes toward breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE). Data were analysed using SPSS v28; Chi-square tests determined statistical significance. Results: Majority of the participants were final year students and residents (65%). None of them were breast cancer survivors. Few of them reported family history of breast cancer (6.5%). In first and second degree relatives (6%). Surprisingly, only 11% of participants correctly identified all major risk factors, while 60% of them correctly understood the signs and symptoms. Only 40% of the participants in the survey were aware of all treatment modalities and 60% of them knew the routine investigations for follow up. Almost 88.8% reported to be aware of BSE monthly, and 35.5% of them believed mammogram could cause radiation exposure. Awareness scores were significantly higher among doctors compared to nursing and allied staff with the bias of difference in participation numbers (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrates a critical and concerning gap in breast cancer awareness among healthcare providers — a gap that directly undermines early detection efforts and compromises patient outcomes. As frontline influencers of public health behavior, healthcare workers must not only advocate for cancer awareness but embody it. It is imperative that institutions implement structured breast health education, mandate annual clinical breast examinations (CBEs) for staff, and integrate awareness assessments into regular training programs. Investing in HCW education is investing in community cancer control. Citation Format: S. S. Rao, V. V. Shetty, V. Rajendra. Behind the Stethoscope: Breast Cancer Awareness Gaps Among Healthcare Workers : A Wake Up Call from Coastal South India [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS3-05-07.