Breast Cancer Awareness, Risk Perception, and Screening Practices Among Undergraduate Female Students in Peshawar, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Awareness of the disease is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent high mortality rates linked to the disease at a later stage. 

Aims and objectives: We conducted this study to assess knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, screening practices, and barriers to detection among both medical and non-medical students in Peshawar, Pakistan. 

Methodology: It was a 3-month cross-sectional study conducted at Khyber Girls Medical College (KGMC), Islamia College Psychology department, Peshawar, and Human Nutritional department of the Agricultural University, Peshawar, from February 2024 to June 2024. We used the BCAM questionnaire to assess knowledge, screening practices, and barriers. The sample size was 376 with a 95% confidence level.

Results: The study showed that medical students had more knowledge (M=39.98,SD=6.74) about breast cancer than non- medical students (M=34.88,SD=6.42). However there was a poor screening practice in both groups, with medical students showing poorer practice in breast screening than non-medical students. The main barriers that prevented the participants from consulting the doctor were 'worrying about other things (21.01%)', 'embarrassment about making visits to the doctor (18.35)', and 'being too scared to go and see the doctor (16.76)'. 

Conclusion: The study proved that medical students had greater knowledge about breast cancer than non-medical students. However both students showed poor screening practices. Given the insufficient comprehension among non-medical students, there is a compelling need to enhance their knowledge. Furthermore, the public and private sectors should also encourage university students to screen for the disease.