Breast Cancer Awareness, Screening Practices, and Perceived Barriers Among Female Undergraduate Students: An...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Health Education

Background:

• Breast cancer is a major global health concern.
• Awareness and screening are vital for reducing breast cancer burden.
• This study examines breast cancer screening awareness and practices among university students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess awareness of breast cancer and screening methods among university students.
• To evaluate the practice of breast cancer screening behaviors.
• To identify perceived barriers to breast cancer screening.

Main Methods:

• An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted.
• 387 students were randomly selected at the International Islamic University Chittagong, Bangladesh.
• Data was collected between June and December 2023.

Main Results:

• 80.41% of students had sufficient breast cancer awareness, but only 32.3% practiced screening.
• Students in science and engineering faculties showed higher awareness than law and business administration faculties.
• Lack of perceived signs/symptoms and insufficient awareness programs were major barriers.

Conclusions:

• Despite high awareness, breast cancer screening practices remain low among university students.
• Targeted awareness campaigns are necessary to improve screening practices and knowledge of warning signs.
• Interventions should address identified barriers to enhance participation in breast cancer screening.