A Study To Assess The Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors, Warning Signs and Preventive Measures of Breast Cancer Among Women Attending Selected Hospitals of Indore

Abstract

Background- Breast cancer is one of the major health problems affecting women worldwide. It can occur at any age after puberty, with the risk generally increasing with age. Globally, an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 694,000 women died from the disease in 2024. Breast cancer is also the leading cancer diagnosed among women in India. According to the IARC Global Cancer Observatory 2022 estimates, India recorded approximately 192,020 new breast cancer cases, accounting for 26.6% of all new cancer cases among females.  Awareness regarding risk factors, warning signs and preventive measures plays an important role in early recognition and timely healthcare-seeking. Therefore, assessing women's knowledge can help identify educational needs and guide nurses in planning appropriate health education interventions. Objectives- To assess the level of knowledge regarding risk factors of breast cancer among women attending selected hospitals of Indore.   Methodology- A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive research design was adopted. The study was conducted among 100 women attending SAIMS hospital of Indore. Participants were selected by a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire consisting of 30 items related to breast cancer, including risk factors, warning signs and preventive measures. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage and inferential statistics such as chi-square test were used for analysis. Model Findings- Among 100 women, 35% had poor knowledge, 45% had average knowledge and 20% had good knowledge regarding breast cancer. Knowledge was significantly associated with educational status (χ² = 12.93, df = 6, p = 0.044), while no statistically significant association was observed with age, marital status or monthly family income in this model dataset. Conclusion- The findings indicate that a considerable proportion of women had inadequate or average knowledge regarding breast cancer risk factors, warning signs and preventive measures. The findings emphasize the importance of regular health education, breast-health awareness and early recognition of suspicious breast changes.