Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about breast cancer among university students in Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a significant global health concern and one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. In Bangladesh, breast cancer awareness, early detection, and preventive measures remain inadequate, especially among young women, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor treatment outcomes. University students represent a crucial demographic for awareness campaigns, as they are at an age where preventive behaviors can be established and can serve as key advocates for breast health in society. This study aim to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards breast cancer among female university students in Chittagong, Bangladesh, to determine any gaps and suggest ways to close them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students from 4 conveniently selected universities in Chittagong. A systematic questionnaire was created to gather information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms, attitudes toward screening and treatment, and preventive practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and associations between key variables were determined using appropriate statistical methods. Ethical guidelines were strictly followed, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. Results: The majority of participants in my study were aged 20–24, Muslim, and unmarried. Most were in their 1st year of University, followed by 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students. The findings indicated that 97.7% of the participants had heard about breast cancer, primarily from family, friends (43.8%), and television/social media (42.3%), whereas only 11.5% had obtained information from healthcare professionals. Despite high awareness, knowledge about specific risk factors and screening methods was limited. Only 46.5% recognize family history as a risk factor of breast cancer, while 41.9% recognized obesity, and 29.6% acknowledged late menopause. Similarly, only 37.3% participants were aware of breast self-examination (BSE), and 26.5% had knowledge of mammography as a screening method. Attitudes toward breast cancer were generally positive, with 96.5% of participants supporting open discussions about the disease and 95.4% stating they would seek medical help if they noticed symptoms. However, when it came to actual screening practices, only 16.9% reported performing BSE regularly, and just 5% had ever participated in a formal breast cancer screening program. The main obstacles to screening included lack of awareness (18.1%), financial constraints (7.7%), fear and anxiety (5.8%), and cultural or social stigmas. Furthermore, 63.8% of respondents were unaware of the recommended age for breast cancer screening, highlighting a gap in health education.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that while university students in Chittagong have a high level of general awareness about breast cancer, significant gaps exist in their knowledge of risk factors, early detection techniques, and preventive practices. Although most students have a positive attitude toward breast cancer awareness and treatment, this does not necessarily translate into proactive health-seeking behaviors. Limited engagement in screening practices, combined with financial and cultural barriers, poses challenges to effective breast cancer prevention. To address these issues, universities and public health authorities should implement structured breast cancer awareness programs, promote self-examination through practical workshops, and introduce subsidized or free screening initiatives to encourage early detection. Enhancing knowledge and accessibility to screening services will be crucial in improving breast cancer prevention and reducing mortality rates among young women in Bangladesh.