Breast Cancer Awareness and Self-screening Behaviors among Female Nursing Trainees in Northern India

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide and is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality in India. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) can significantly improve the outcomes. Nursing students, as future health educators, are ideally positioned to promote awareness and early detection practices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE among female nursing students at Hind Institute of Medical Sciences Ataria, Sitapur.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 286 female nursing students using a predesigned, prestructured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding breast cancer and BSE. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 2022 and the Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Scores above the 50^th percentile were considered indicative of good KAP.

Out of 286 female nursing students included in the study, the majority (67.13%) were aged above 23 years, only 23.9% of students had good knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, while 35.4% showed adequate knowledge of BSE. Positive attitude toward BSE was seen in 45.1%, yet only 29.2% practiced BSE regularly. The key barriers included the lack of awareness about the technique (73.04%) and the belief that absence of breast problems negates the need for BSE (60.04%).

The study reveals a significant gap between knowledge, attitude, and actual practice of BSE among nursing students. Educational interventions and hands-on training are urgently needed to improve breast cancer awareness and encourage regular BSE practices in this crucial group.