Awareness, Atti tudes, and Behavior toward Breast Cancer Screening Measures Among Female Teachers

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC), the most common cancer in women globally, signifi cantly impacts on health. Early detecti on through breast self-examinati on (BSE), clinical breast examinati on (CBE), and mammography is crucial for reducing mortality. This study examines awareness, atti tudes, and behavior toward BC screening among female schoolteachers in Giriulla Educati onal Zone, Sri Lanka. A descripti ve cross-secti onal study was conducted with 240 female teachers, aged 22-55, using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a self-administered questi onnaire and analyzed descripti vely. With a response rate of 93.7% (225 teachers), most parti cipants were aged 41-50 (38.2%), and 81.3% were married. About 45% held bachelor’s degrees. Awareness was notable: 53.1% knew about CBE, and 23.8% knew about mammography, but 65.5% were unaware of recommended examinati on start ages. Although 97.3% recognized the importance of screening, 68% hesitated toward BSE. Behavioral engagement varied, with 53.8% practi cing BSE monthly, but CBE and mammography were underuti lized (78.2% and 98.2%, respecti vely). The study highlights the need for enhanced awareness and educati on initi ati ves among female schoolteachers to address knowledge gaps and promote practi cal engagement in screening measures, crucial for early detecti on and reducing BC mortality rates.