An experimental study to assess the efficacy of VAT on knowledge of Breast Cancer and practice of BSE among women in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

Edna Sweenie

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is more common in developing and industrialized nations alike, including India. Every year, more than a million cases of breast cancer are diagnosed worldwide. Insufficient awareness on breast cancer has been shown to be a significant contributing cause to the high rates of morbidity and death among women by refraining them from going to screening facilities, participating in BSE, and delaying treatment. Breast Cancers are second most common cancers today. Regular breast self examination (BSE), clinical examination and mammography are the three most recommended screening tests. Unlike clinical examination which requires hospital visit and mammography which is reliant on technology and expensive; BSE is an easy, quick, no-cost, non-invasive, self carried-out procedure. Method: By offering Video assisted Teaching VAT on breast cancer and Breast Self- examination (BSE), an experimental study was carried out to determine the efficacy of VAT on knowledge of Breast Cancer and practice of BSE among women in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Result: Women had adequate knowledge on breast cancer (Mean ± SD=11.73 ± 2.53) and good practice on BSE (Mean ± SD= 11.34 ± 1.63). Conclusion: Administration of VAT for women can create awareness among women and proceed for screening of Breast Cancer. This could help for early identification and treatment thereby decreasing the mortality and morbidity rate.

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