IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-2-23929 Original Research Paper ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER AMONG THE PATIENTS OF CARCINOMA BREAST REGISTERED AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA Dheerendra Kumar Sachan Dr. Dr Abhishek Shrivastava Dr. February 2020 9 2 01 02 ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:The incidence of breast cancer is increasing because of the increase in elderly population and increasing prevalence of established risk factors such as smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, changing reproductive pattern associated with urbanisation and economic development. With increasing incidence there should also be a parallel increase in knowledge and awareness in population regarding breast cancer. AIM: To assess level of awareness for carcinoma breast among recently diagnosed patients registered at our centre. MATERIAL & METHOD: This is a prospective, observational study conducted on 140 previously untreated histopathologically proven carcinoma Breast and their caregivers, from July 2015 to March 2016. These patients were interviewed and data regarding cancer awareness was obtained. The questionnaire was framed by modification of “The Breast Module of the Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Measure”. The breast module was delivered by interview or self–complete questionnaire. RESULTS: Average age = 46.5 ± 12.8 years. Presenting Symptoms: “Breast lump”(95%) and “pain in breast” (93.10% patients) .Breast Self–Examination: No knowledge 98% patients. Well known and confident 2% .Average delay: 3.5 months. Major causes of delayed presentation: Emotional and social barriers (99%). Lack of awareness (98.7%), Difficulty to arrange transport and make out time to go to doctor (99.5%) Awareness of BC was decreasing with increasing age. Knowledge about age related risk was poor (20.68%). CONCLUSION: Spreading awareness with screening camps and community education programs may help in their early presentation to the hospital for better treatment and thereby better QOL.