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Indian Journal of Cancer
Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Cancer Society
ISSN: 0019-509X EISSN: 0019-509X
Vol. 45, No. 4, 2008, pp. 149-153
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Bioline Code: cn08044
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Indian Journal of Cancer, Vol. 45, No. 4, 2008, pp. 149-153
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Awareness of breast cancer in women of an urban resettlement colony
Somdatta, P & Baridalyne, N
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer accounts for 19-34% of all cancer cases among women in India. There is a high mortality due to late stage diagnosis as patients usually present at an advanced stage because of lack of awareness and non-existent breast cancer screening programs. Aim : To determine the awareness about breast cancer among women in an urban resettlement colony in Delhi. Settings and Design: A community based, cross-sectional study carried out in a resettlement colony in South Delhi. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect information regarding breast cancer. Modified Kuppuswamy scale was used for assessing the socio-economic status. Results and Conclusions: A total of 333 women were included. The mean age was 36 years±15.1 and 46% were illiterate. Only 185 (56%) women were aware of breast cancer; among them, 51% knew about at least one of the signs /symptoms, 53% were aware that breast cancer can be detected early, and only 35% mentioned about risk factors. Thus, awareness about breast cancer is low amongst women in this community. There is a need for awareness generation programs to educate women about breast cancer, propagation of correct messages and promote early detection of breast cancer.
Keywords
Awareness, breast cancer, India, urban resettlement colony
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© Copyright 2008 Indian Journal of Cancer. Alternative site location: http://www.indianjcancer.com/
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