Knowledge of breast cancer,risk factors, symptoms and screening methods among first degree female relatives of breast cancer patients at cancer disease hospital.

Abstract

The study was aimed at determining the relationship of breast cancer knowledge on risk factors, symptoms and screening methods among first degree female relatives of breast cancer patients. Literature review was on knowledge regarding breasts cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening methods. The target population was in the age range of 30-50 years who accompanied their relatives to the hospital for chemotherapy and review. The study was conducted at Cancer Disease Hospital while the pilot study was conducted in G- Block at the University Teaching Hospital to test the structured interview schedule. A total number of 50 participants were recruited using non probability (convenience) sampling method. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule over a period of 21 days in November 2010. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 The results revealed that the almost two third, 32 (64%) of the respondents had heard about breast cancer however two thirds, 33(66%) of the respondents were not aware of the risk factors for breast cancer. Only 6% of the respondents could correctly identify all the nine breast cancer risk factors. Almost half, 24(48%) of the respondents were not aware of the symptoms of breast cancer that were listed. Furthermore, the study revealed that, 15 (30%) of the respondents got information on breast self examination from health professionals, 3(6%) through publications and 1(2%) through Television /Radio. Almost two thirds, 32(64%) of the respondents stated that breast self examination was not useful.