A study on awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination practices among women above 35 years of age in rural areas of Wardha District, Maharashtra: a protocol

Abstract

Background Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in women and a global health issue. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a recommended breast cancer screening technique that a woman can use on her own, in the privacy of her home. Hence, awareness regarding it and knowledge to identify any changes will be a boon to the early identification and promotion of treatment. This study aimed to increase awareness and educate women about breast self-examination (BSE) to facilitate the early detection of breast cancer in rural areas of Wardha District. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on rural women in Wardha district. Women older than 35 years of age will be included in the study and assessed using a ‘pre-designed’ and ‘pre-structured’ questionnaire inquiring about their socio-demographic profile, awareness of breast cancer, and breast self-examination. Research implications Most studies show how to self-examine breasts, but awareness and knowledge regarding the subject are not well demonstrated and applied in many studies. Although we now understand that women do not always need to use a specific BSE technique, they should still be taught and encouraged to recognize breast changes. BSE for early detection of breast cancer has undergone a paradigm change or development into breast awareness. The progression towards breast awareness is a concept where a woman is familiar with her breasts so that she detects any change that might emerge and brings this to the attention of her healthcare practitioner right away, whereas BSE is monthly palpation of the breasts in a specific manner in which women are professionally taught. Early detection of breast cancer relies heavily on breast awareness, which is why it should be covered in general breast health education.