A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge, Screening Behaviour, Risk Perception and Cancer Worry Regarding Breast Cancer Among Adolescent Girls of Selected Areas of Jalandhar District, Punjab

Abstract

Over 2.2 million new instances of breast cancer were reported in 2020, making it the most common cancer diagnosed globally. The main aim of the study was to find out the knowledge, screening behaviour, risk perception and cancer worry regarding breast cancer among adolescent girls. The study employed a descriptive research design. It involved 100 adolescent girls who were purposefully selected from specific areas within Jalandhar district, Punjab. Data were gathered using a tool comprising five parts: Part A dealt with socio-demographic variables, the second part was a self-structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, the third part was the Champion Health Belief Model scale, Part D was the Breast Cancer Fatalism scale, and Part E was the Likert Cancer Fear scale. The data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistical methods. The findings indicated that maximum teenagers had limited awareness about breast cancer. In terms of screening behaviour, the majority exhibited low susceptibility, high perceived seriousness, high perceived benefits of breast self-examination (BSE), and high perceived barriers to BSE, high self-efficacy, and high health motivation. Regarding risk perception, most of the girls had a low perceived risk of breast cancer. As for cancer worry, the majority showed high levels of fear.