Abstract

Objective: To analyze the awareness, attitude and practices among women about breast cancer.
Methodology: It was a mixed, Explanatory Sequential Method, study in Punjab’s hospitals. A total of 420 women were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using a detailed interview.
Results: Majority of the respondents (85.2%) agreed that breast cancer is easier to cure when it is detected early. Shyness (31.4) and lack of money (25.5) were major reasons of delay of going to doctor. More than half (55.9%) agreed that they were taking care of young children that caused delay. A high proportion (67.4 %) was not practicing breast self-examination. Awareness about breast cancer screening was found negatively associated with and symptoms of breast cancer.
Conclusion: Breast cancer as an important issue affecting lives of women due to lack of knowledge and awareness. Awareness and knowledge about breast cancer have significant negative correlation with breast cancer symptoms. The level of respondents’ knowledge about breast cancer screening has significant and negatively correlate with symptoms.

Key words: Breast cancer, awareness, attitude, practices, Pakistan.