A STUDY ON ATTITUDE TOWARDS AND PRACTICE OF BREAST SELF EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN TELANGANA, INDIA.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast Cancers are the most common cancers among women. Thus, early detection and proper intervention is essential. Regular breast self examination (BSE) is one among the three most recommended screening tests. BSE is an easy, non-invasive and self monitoring procedure. Consequently, this study was done with an aim to determine attitude towards BSE, evaluate number of females who used BSE and among them who did so correctly, and to create awareness about breast cancers. Methods: Questionnaire based, cross-sectional descriptive study conducted for a period of 2 months with a study population of 381 female undergraduate students. Results: Majority of respondents believed that BSE was an important tool to diagnose breast cancers (95.5%) and that early diagnosis by BSE would result in successful prevention and control (89.8%). Mere 17.6% stated that they performed regular BSE. Among them, conducting BSE with shoulders straight and hands on hips (60.3%), in lying down position (64.7%), standing position (67.6%) and during bath (61.8%) was done by many. Conclusions: Most of the respondents showed a positive attitude towards BSE but the practice of BSE was found to be poor. Majority of the practicing women used the right technique. Spreading awareness about the benefits and misconceptions about BSE would aid in improving practice of BSE. Key words: Health Behavior; Health promotion; Preventive Medicine; Public Health.