Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Methods Among Female Employees at the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad: Analytical Research: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Cervical cancer and breast cancer are the leading causes of global cancer incidence in 2020. Despite being largely preventable, the burden of breast and cervical cancer is rising. Early detection reduces morbidity and mortality significantly, thus the role of screening is vital. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to know the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breast and cervical cancer screening methods among female employees at our institute. Results: A total of 174 female employees participated in the study. 65.51% of the participants were more educated and 34.49% were less educated. 91.2% of more educated participants and 50% of less educated participants had knowledge about Pap smear. 64.6% had never had a Pap smear and only half of those who did undergo Pap testing had got it done within the preceding 5 years. 82.14% showed a positive attitude towards accepting a Pap smear. 92.9% had heard about breast cancer screening methods, 70.17% knew about the self-breast examination (SBE) and 50.87% knew about the clinical breast examination (CBE). Out of the participants who knew about SBE, 50% performed it and out of whom only 22.44% practiced it on a monthly basis. Similarly, 31.03% of total participants had ever got done CBE out of which only 22.22% used to do it on a yearly basis. Mammography was known by 72.6% of the participants who were above 40 years of age but only 28.89% had ever undergone it. Conclusion: The survey shows that there is a gap between knowledge, attitude, and practice.