Breast Cancer Awareness in a High-Risk Indian Population: A Study on First-Degree Female Relatives

Female first-degree relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer have higher risk of developing the disease. This study aims to estimate the awareness, heightened risk perception, and screening practices in this high-risk population of women.

A cross-sectional study was undertaken from August 2023 to January 2024 in a tertiary cancer centre of Eastern India. First-degree female relatives of breast cancer patients, aged ≥18 years, who provided informed consent, were interviewed face-to-face using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire, followed by data analysis.

Among 307 women enrolled, 109 (35.5%) participants perceived being at higher risk for developing breast cancer. While breast lump was the most commonly (93.8%) known warning sign, few acknowledged other signs. Only 42.3% and 26.7% respectively, knew that previous breast cancer diagnosis and having blood relation with the patient were known risk factors. Most were oblivious to other potential risks. Despite wide agreement (92.8%) on benefits of early detection, only 26.7% believed screening to be essential. Only 120 (39.1%) participants had ever performed a breast self-examination [BSE] (regular 5.9%) and 15 (4.9%) had ever undergone a clinical breast examination [CBE] (regular 0.3%). Only 32 (10.4%) had heard of mammography, and only 3 (0.9%) had ever undergone mammography. Logistic regression analysis predicted the likelihood of screening practices. Regarding diagnosis, only 18.6% knew that biopsy was the best method for confirmation. Regarding treatment, the majority were informed about chemotherapy (91.86%), surgery (91.2%) and radiotherapy (64.2%) but few knew about hormonal therapy (14%) and targeted therapy (0.98%). Composite awareness score (0-37) was calculated where only 3.3% were high scores (25-37), mostly urban graduates.

Our study exposes the lack of awareness regarding breast cancer risks and prevention among this high-risk group of Indian women. Focused interventions in health policy need to be strategized to mitigate this problem.