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Sadia Jabeen, Sajal Haider, Sana Mannan, Sara Bano, Sania Javed
Background: Breast cancer is getting prevalence in many parts of the world for this there are many screening mechanisms to evaluate the diseased state. Breast self-examination is done for early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Objective: To assess the knowledge, Attitude and practices regarding Breast Self-Examination among female medical students of Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore during 2018-2019 academic year. After taking consent from the students they were provided with a questionnaire designed for the assessment of their knowledge, Attitude and practice regarding Breast Self-Examination. The data was analyzed on SPSS 21.0 for descriptive study. Results: Total of 300 female medical students from all the years of MBBS of Allama Iqbal medical college, Lahore participated in our study. In our research, 254 (84.7%) respondents had some idea about BSE, while 46(15.3%) didn’t have any idea about it. 218 (72.7%) disagreed that BSE will be embarrassing to them while 18(6%) agreed that it is embarrassing while 64(21.3%) had a neutral attitude. 18(6%) respondents out of 300 always do BSE, 149(49.7%) sometimes do it while 133(44.3%) never do it. 67(22.3%) respondents out of total 300 always advise other women to do BSE, 143(47.7%) sometimes advise others while 90(30%) had never advise it. 28(9.3%) students always discuss its importance with friends, 134(44.7%) sometimes discuss it while 138(46%) had never discussed it. Out of total 300 respondents 22(7.3%) had poor knowledge, 264(88%) had average knowledge while 14(4.7%) students had good knowledge regarding BSE. Conclusion: The results of this analysis reveals that majority of the women in targeted area has a good awareness about the risk issues and screening tests of the breast cancer. The results also highlight that the selected sample is found to be lacking the outlook and practice towards Breast Self-Examination. Keywords: Breast Self-Examination