Converting knowledge into practice: a cross sectional survey among nurses of sub Himalayan region about breast cancer screening

Background: The frontline workers which include nurses need to be focused in creating awareness and reduce the cultural and emotional barrier about breast screening among the female patients and community they come across. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of use of cancer screening programmes among nursing students and staff of a tertiary care center. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 300 nursing students and staff of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra at Tanda, Himachal Pradesh in 2016. A semi structured predesigned study tool was introduced to assess the demographic profile and KAP regarding screening methods pertaining to breast cancer. Results: The adequate knowledge about all symptoms of breast cancer was observed to be >80% among younger age nurses (age <40 years).A positive attitude towards breast self-examination (BSE) promotion in mass media was observed in more than 80% of younger age group nurses (<30 years).Majority (78%) of them performed BSE once a month; 11.3% underwent clinical breast examination (CBE) and 11.6% mammography. Time constraint (14.6 %), lack of services and specialist (23.6%) and embarrassing to get examined (10.6%) were the quoted as the reasons behind not getting CBE. In a given situation when the participant discovers a breast lump, around 87% responded of taking immediate consultation from doctor. Conclusion: Along with increasing knowledge we have to strengthen emotional status of women in our country. The frontline workers can prove to be a great asset in creating community awareness.