Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding the Prevention of Breast Cancer among the Women
Author : Dr. Parashram and Dr. Madhusoodan
Abstract :
Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, accounting for approximately 24% of all female cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
Globally, breast cancer accounts for nearly 2.3 million new cases and approximately 685,000 deaths annually (Global Cancer Observatory, 2022). In India, breast cancer has surpassed cervical cancer to become the most common cancer among women, contributing to nearly 28% of all female cancers. The incidence is steadily rising, particularly in urban areas, but rural regions are also increasingly affected due to changing lifestyles and lack of awareness.
Breast cancer trends in India and reported that the age-adjusted incidence rate has increased significantly over the past decade. The study emphasized that lack of awareness and screening contributes to late-stage diagnosis.
Several risk factors have been identified, including increasing age, family history, genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), hormonal factors, early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy dietary patterns. In rural areas, additional factors such as lack of education, cultural beliefs, and limited access to healthcare services further contribute to delayed detection.
Materials and Methods: A quantitative evaluative research approach and pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design research design to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding the prevention of breast cancer among the women. The study conducted on 60 samples. Samples were selected by non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaire instrument.
Results: 30.0% of women were in the age group of 20–30 years, the largest group had secondary education (36.7%). As per occupation, 28.3% were labourers, 80.0% reported no family history, 33.3% women reported health workers as their source. Post-test mean knowledge score (22.65) was higher than the pre-test mean knowledge score (11.82), with a mean difference of 10.83. The obtained Z-value (35.58) was much higher than the tabulated Z-value of 1.96 at 0.05 level of significance, and the p-value was 0.001, indicating statistical significance. Hence the research hypothesis H1 is accepted. Calculated chi-square values for age, education, occupation, family history of breast cancer and source of health information were lower than the respective table values at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, no statistically significant association was found between post-test knowledge scores and the selected demographic variables. Hence the null hypothesis H02 related to association is accepted for all the selected variables.
Conclusion: After the detailed analysis of the study findings showed that the findings of the study clearly indicate that the structured teaching program was effective in improving the knowledge of women regarding prevention of breast cancer. The results support the use of structured, planned health education programs in community settings to promote awareness and early preventive practices related to breast cancer among women.
Keywords :
Breast Cancer, Structured Teaching Program, Prevention, Women.
