Abstract

Background: Context: Almost 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in
less developed countries. Early detection plays a pivotal role in the treatment of breast
cancer. Better knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals influences the uptake
of screening methods for breast cancer in the community.Aims: -1.To estimate the
knowledge, attitude, and practices of BSE in female medical students, 2. To identify the
areas of gap in knowledge and attitude of BSE between students who perform and do
not perform BSE. Settings and Design: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study
conducted among Undergraduate female medical students.
Methods and Material: The data was collected by self-administered closed ended
questionnaire through Google forms.Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was
performed using SPSS software 21 version.
Results: A total of 263 students participated in the study. 79.7% (208) of them had
heard about BSE. Analysis of practice aspect of data revealed that only 28.4% (74)
performed BSE sometime or the other. Those who had more negative attitude never
performed BSE.
Conclusions: Current study showed lack of knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE
among health professionals. Health professionals who don’t have strong attitude and
habit of practicing BSE will not be serious in percolating BSE in general population.
Therefore, there is strong need of intervention in health professionals in improving their
knowledge and attitude regarding BSE and making BSE a universal practice among
health professionals.