Pages: 1-8

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer seems to be the illness of both developed and underdeveloped countries in the world. In Pakistani women, breast cancer has been the second important reason of cancer-narated death. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to define the level of awareness about breast cancer, and determine the health opinions regarding the template that assists in breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography in a group of women attending gynecological departments in Quetta. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study of women attending the gynecological department in 3 government hospitals of Quetta city located in Pakistan utilizing a self-reported questionnaire to study the participants regarding the symptoms of breast cancer, and their posture towards screening. A sample of 307 respondents who were willing to participate in the study was picked out. Results: The majority of women were graduated. Plenty of the women demonstrated a good awareness level. In participants, the most often told about risk factors was non-breast feeding. The more frequently reported symptom was pain or soreness in the breast. The majority of the respondents showed poor perception towards breast cancer. The family, friends and the educational institute were reported to be the most common source of knowledge. Conclusions: The study indicated the good cognizance of women attending the gynecological departments of breast cancer, and identified the issues negatively influencing on the perception of breast cancer. Accordingly, relevant educational programs and interrelation between women and health care providers to enhance the cognizance level of women concerning breast cancer were obligated.