“Evaluation of Skills Transfer of Breast-Self Examination Among Peripheral Health Workers (Anganwadi Sevika) For Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Western Maharashtra”

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer affects so many lives today. The peak incidence of breast cancer is the fifth and sixth decades of life. The more familiarity with breast; the more likely women will notice when something has changed. It is vital for the women to understand the key factors about the disease, especially risk factors and methods of early detection. Three methods of early detection of breast cancer are mammography, clinical breast examination and breast self-examination. If breast self-examination is practiced regularly breast disorders can be detected in early stages and treated promptly.
Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important screening measure for detecting breast cancer.  There is evidence that women who correctly practice BSE monthly are more likely to detect a lump in the early stage of its development, and early diagnosis has been reported to influence early treatment, to yield a better survival rate.
Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of awareness & skills transfer of Breast self-examination among peripheral health workers for early detection of breast cancer in Western Maharashtra.
Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted on 50 peripheral health workers participating in this study from Karad taluka. Socio-demographic Proforma, structured awareness questionnaire on BSE, and checklist on performance of breast self-examination. It was an experimental Evaluatory research approach. Two groups pre-test-post-test design. 
Result: Results showed that respondents become awareaboutbreastcancer’swarning signs and symptoms and BSE. About 98% of the respondents were not aware ofwhen to initiate BSE and 92% performed BSE after intervention, but their practice was poor. Educationalmaterialsshouldbefreelyavailableatrural community areatoenhanceBSEawareness.
Conclusion: The level of awareness and skill on BSE among peripheral health workers are unacceptably low. Efforts should be made to increase level of knowledge and practice of BSE through health education programs.  After six months follow up they get aware for BSE.