Awareness and Prevalence of Risk Factors of Breast Cancer and Cervix Cancer Among Women More than 35 Years of Age Residing in Low Socio Income Colony
Abstract
Breast cancer is most prevalent cancer among women and is increasing particularly in developing countries. In India cervix cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality for women, accounting for 17% of all cancer deaths of women ages 30–69 years. The aim of the study is to assess the awareness and prevalence of risk factors related to breast cancer and cervix cancer among women > 35 years of age residing in low socio income colony. A descriptive research design was used for conducting the study. A survey Performa and interview schedule was developed to collect data. Systematic random sampling technique was used. Every tenth house was surveyed and 197 women > 35 years were identified and interviewed. Finding of the study revealed that out of 197 subjects 23.4% had average awareness related to breast cancer, 76.1% had below average awareness and only 3% subjects knew about risk factors of breast cancer. Only 32.8% subjects were performing breast self-examination. Out of 197 subjects 93.4% had low risk, 0.5% subjects had moderate risk of developing breast cancer. In case of cervix cancer, 79.6% subjects had below average awareness, 19.8% had average awareness and only 3.6% subjects knew about risk factors of cervix cancer. 61.4% subjects had moderate risk, 1.5% subjects had high risk of cervix cancer. The result of this study revealed that awareness related to breast cancer and cervix cancer was below average. So there is a need for increasing awareness about breast cancer and cervix cancer in population by collaborative action of community health nurses and other health professionals working in community. Health awareness programmes and education programmes should be organized. Key words: Awareness, prevalence, risk factors, breast cancer, cervix cancerReferences
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