Assessing Breast Cancer Literacy and Its Sociodemographic Correlates: A Tertiary Hospital-Based Survey in Northern India

Abstract

Background: Among women worldwide and in India, breast cancer (BC) continues to be the primary cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Despite the well-documented advantages of early detection, awareness regarding BC risk factors, symptomology, and the practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) remains suboptimal, particularly in resource-constrained regions. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers regarding BC and BSE among women attending a tertiary care hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India. Methodology: A hospital-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2023 and July 2024 at a 500-bed teaching hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India. Following STROBE guidelines, a structured, validated questionnaire in both English and Hindi were administered to 469 adult female participants using convenience sampling. The survey assessed socio-demographic profiles, general BC awareness, knowledge of symptomatology, and BSE practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: Out of 469 participants, 90.6% reported having heard of BC. However, comprehensive knowledge concerning specific signs and symptoms varied significantly. While 75.3% correctly identified a breast lump as a primary symptom, only 47.7% recognized breast asymmetry, and 52.8% identified nipple morphological changes as warning signs. Crucially, a significant knowledge gap was observed regarding BSE; 61.8% of participants lacked any knowledge of the procedure. Furthermore, misconceptions persisted regarding the optimal frequency of BSE, with only 46.3% correctly identifying a monthly interval. Socio-demographic variables, including age, marital status, and educational attainment, were significantly associated with the participants' overall awareness levels. Conclusion: Although rudimentary awareness of BC is prevalent among Indian women, specific knowledge regarding clinical symptomatology and BSE practices remains critically deficient. The findings underscore an urgent need for targeted, culturally tailored health education interventions to bridge knowledge gaps, demystify screening protocols, and ultimately facilitate early diagnostic pathways in resource-limited settings.