A Cross Sectional Study To Assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Breast Self-Examination Among Female Students of Higher Secondary in Selected Schools of Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Abstract According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women in India.1 According to GLOBOCAN 2022, breast cancer accounts for approximately 27-32% of all cancers in Indian women. Despite ranking third globally in incidence (192,020 cases), India leads in mortality with 98,337 deaths in 2022. The incidence and mortality rate among younger females (≤29 years) are notably high in India, aggravating concerns for healthcare. The lifetime risks is 1 in 28 women overall in India, which increases to 1 in 22 for urban women compared to 1 in 60 for rural women. Furthermore, projections for 2050 indicate a significant increase in breast cancer incidence and mortality. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a screening method used in an attempt to detect early breast cancer and other breast diseases. The method involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling. Breast Self-Examination increases breast health awareness. It helps promote early detection of cancer and may improve the survival rates for patients with breast carcinoma. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on breast–self-examination among female students of higher secondary in the selected schools of Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. 180 students were selected for the study by convenience method and the data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and a 5 point Likert Scale. The findings revealed that out of 180 participants, majority of them i.e., 117 (65%) have average knowledge, 34 (18.9%) have good knowledge and 29 (16.1%) have poor knowledge on breast self examination. There is a significant association of knowledge on breast self with class (p=0.037) and stream (p=0.001). With regards to attitude, out of 180 participants, 160 (88.9%) have favourable attitude and only 20 (11.1%) have unfavourable attitude towards breast self-examination. There is a significant association of attitude with family history of breast diseases (p=0.046). In terms of practice, the result showed that out of 180 participants, only 29 (16.1%) of the participants have good practice and 151 (83.9%) of the participants have poor practice. No association was found between practice and selected demographic variables. The survival rates of breast cancer in India are low because the detection takes place late. The findings suggest the need to improve awareness on breast cancer and related diseases and breast self examination. This may be done through conducting awareness programs in schools or integrating breast self-examination in school curriculum or conducting special camps, especially for adolescent girls to build early knowledge and combat low awareness.