Background: Breast cancer has been enlisted as one of the major global health problem in both the developed and developing countries whereas cancer in general is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality. According to cancer registry, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. Presently cancer patients seek treatment in the advanced stages due to lack of awareness about breast cancer in its inception. Objective: To determine awareness of breast cancer and its risk factors in engineering students. Methods: The study was conducted among female students of selected engineering colleges in north of Belagavi, using convenience sampling method.Data was collected using Breast Cancer Awareness Measure-2 (domains 1, 2, 5, 7) Results: 69.78% of students had medium level of awareness about breast cancer. 68.13% of students had medium level of knowledge regarding the symptoms. The percentage of awareness about confidence, skills and behaviour was 62.64%. The knowledge of age related and lifetime risk factors was low but knowledge about risk factors was found to be adequate. Conclusion: Medium level of awareness was noted in engineering students. More awareness programmes are needed by targeting younger generation through educational programs and mass media as they may help further educate their families as well as peers which in turn will increase the awareness about breast cancer.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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