AWARENESS OF RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER, SELF-BREAST EXAMINATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN SKARDU, GILGIT BALTISTAN: A COMMUNITY BASED SURVEY

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Pakistan, with one in nine at lifetime risk. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) is critical, yet its practice depends on adequate awareness of risk factors, which remains poorly characterized in rural regions like Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan.

Objective: This study assessed the awareness of BC risk factors and BSE practices and identified associated sociodemographic factors among women aged ≥15 years in Skardu.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023. Using multistage stratified random sampling, 412 women were enrolled. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, medical history, and awareness of BC risk factors and BSE. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis.

Results: Awareness was critically low: 73.8% (n=304) could not name a familial risk factor, and only 4.6% (n=19) knew the correct BSE procedure. High awareness of BC risk factors was significantly associated with higher perceived income (p=0.051), personal history of BC (p=0.044), and contraceptive type (p=0.007). Awareness of BSE was linked to marital status, education level, breastfeeding history, and family history of BC (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There is a profound deficit in knowledge regarding BC risk factors and BSE among women in Skardu. Targeted, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns and educational interventions are urgently needed to promote early detection practices in this region.