The Knowledge on Breast Cancer and its Associated Factors among Female Adolescents of Secondary Level Schools of a Rural Municipality in Kaski, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among female is in growing trend worldwide. Breast cancer is easily treatable if detected at early stage. This study aims to assess knowledge on breast cancer and its associated factors among female adolescents attending secondary level schools of a rural municipality in Kaski.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 female students of six secondary schools. Self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was entered in Epi Data software and transferred into SPSS for analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics

Results: Majority of respondents had heard (81.5%) about the breast cancer. Teachers were the major sources of information. Almost half (48.9%) of the respondents had inadequate knowledge on breast cancer. There was no association between sociodemographic variables and knowledge level of the respondents.

Conclusion: The study concludes that considerable proportion of female adolescents has inadequate knowledge of breast cancer. This study recommends that awareness programs regarding breast cancer and its preventive measure to be implemented in secondary schools targeting female adolescents.