A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Breast Cancer Literacy and Breast Self-Examination Knowledge Among Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: In India, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in females, with high mortality. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a safe, cost-free, and practical screening modality that facilitates early detection. Nursing students, as future frontline health professionals, are ideally positioned to promote BSE in community settings; however, their knowledge base requires systematic evaluation.

Objectives

• To assess the knowledge of nursing students regarding BSE and breast cancer.
• To identify specific knowledge gaps requiring curriculum-level intervention.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Thirty female GNM students from a selected nursing institution in Madhya Pradesh were enrolled using convenient sampling. Data were collected via a pretested, self -structured questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic profile, general knowledge, breast cancer knowledge, and BSE-specific knowledge. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis.

Results: The majority of respondents (53.3%) were Muslim, and 97% belonged to nuclear families. For general knowledge, 53.3% scored in the 'good' category and 23.3% in the 'excellent' category. Breast cancer-specific knowledge was markedly deficient: 63.3% of students showed average knowledge and 36.6% below-average knowledge, with no student attaining good or excellent scores. BSE procedural knowledge was comparatively better: 46.6% demonstrated good knowledge, while only 10% scored below average.

Conclusion: Nursing students demonstrated moderate-to-good knowledge of BSE procedures but exhibited a critical gap in theoretical understanding of breast cancer. Structured, curriculum-integrated educational interventions on breast cancer pathology, epidemiology, and risk factors are strongly recommended.