Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Breast Cancer Among Female Attendants of Patients with Cancer in a Cancer Hospital, Guwahati, Assam

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major health concern for women globally, with high rates of late-stage diagnoses contributing to increased mortality. A descriptive research design was employed, involving 74 female attendants selected through purposive sampling technique. Data collection tool included sociodemographic proforma, self-structured questionnaire for knowledge, and 5-Point Modified Likert scale for attitude. Majority of the participants were: aged 20-30 years (36.5%), with educational qualification up to higher secondary and graduate and above (29.7%), homemaker (52.7%), married (66.2%), had Rs≤10,000/- family income per month (35.1%), from rural area (59.5%), and did not have family history of breast cancer (74.3 %). Most had heard about breast cancer (74.3%), mainly from social media (29.1%). Knowledge assessment revealed that 50%, 35.1% and 14.9% had moderate, inadequate and adequate knowledge respectively with a mean score of 7.14(SD=3.25). Regarding attitude, 56.8% had neutral, while 43.2% had favourable attitude. Significant associations were noted between occupational status and knowledge, as well as between occupational status, family income, and those who heard about breast cancer with attitude. There is a need for educational campaigns to enhance women's knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer.