Awareness of Breast Cancer Warning Signs and Screening Methods among Female Residents of Pokhara Valley, Nepal

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and by far the most frequentcancer among women. <br/><b>Objective</b>: The present study was undertaken to assess the awareness of breast cancerwarning signs and screening methods among the women of Pokhara valley, Nepal. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Across-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out in a community setting with the female population. Thequestionnaire was administered in face-to-face interviews by trained research assistants. <br/><b>Results</b>: Nepalesewomen demonstrated poor awareness of warning signs like a breast lump, lump under the armpit, bleedingor discharge from the nipple, pulling of the nipple, changes in the position of the nipple, nipple rash, rednessof the breast skin, changes in the size of the breast or nipple, changes in the shape of the breast or nipple, painin the breast or armpit, and dimpling of the breast skin. While 100% of nurses were aware about breast selfexamination(BSE), mammography and warning signs of breast cancer. Levels of knowledge were significantlypoorer in women with other occupations. Graduates were more aware about BSE, mammogram and warningsigns of breast cancer compared to those with other educational levels. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The findings indicated thatthe level of awareness of breast cancer, including knowledge of warning signs and BSE, is sub-optimal amongNepalese women.