Reasons and Barriers of Breast Self-examination among Affluent Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Breast Self-examination (BSE) is the simplest and easiest way to look for abnormalities. It’s an inexpensive and easy procedure that needs to be implemented from a young age. BSE will help in early diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant tumours. Inadequate knowledge about BSE was seen usually in non affluent women. Though, affluent individuals have access to good and better healthcare, still there seems to be a lack. Aim: To understand the reasons and barriers among affluent women concerning BSE. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the field area of Ayaan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India, from March 2021 to February 2022. A total of 250 women were included in the study between the ages of 21-49 years. Data was collected using a predesigned pretested questionnaire to evaluate socio-demographic, reasons and barriers to BSE. Data were presented in numbers and percentages. Results: The mean age of the study population was 34.60±8.31 years. All 250 women were educated and with the majority being graduates (n=176, 70.4%), only 140 (56%) had a working occupation and the 205 (82%) were married. The feeling of mass in either of the breast (123, 49.2%), followed by family history of breast cancer (99, 39.6%) and breast pain (92, 36.8%) were the common reasons for performing SBE. The barriers to self-examination were majorly due to lack of knowledge (164, 65.6%), lack of breast complaints (164, 65.6%), absence of lump (130, 52%), followed by 115 (46%) who did not like to touch their breast. Forgetfulness was seen in 93 (37.2%) subjects. Conclusion: Poor awareness of the BSE practice exists even among affluent women. There is an urgent need for awareness about screening techniques, including BSE, in media and health facilities.