A COMMUNITY BASED SURVEY ON ROLE OF CLINICAL PHARMACIST IN CREATING AWARENESS AMONG WOMEN ABOUT BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES IN BANGALORE- INDIA.

Background: Breast self-examination (BSE) is simple, painless, very important, low-cost and non-invasive technique for early method for detection of Breast cancer in the initial stages. It is ought to be done for all women at all age groups. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness, knowledge and practices of Breast Self Examination (BSE) as a method of prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer among women with involvement of clinical pharmacist and providing proper counselling and educating them regularly about BSE in order to prevent further complications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 189 women, among few areas in Bangalore for a period of 6 months, using self-administrated questionnaire and women aged >19 years old, who are having minimal knowledge about BSE in 2019. Results: Majority of the participants, were between 20 -25 years 86(44.3%) also our study reveals that 13(6.7%) had family history of breast cancer. 120 (61.8%) of the participants had heard BSE and 35(18.5%) had good knowledge about BSE. Mass media and internet were the most common source of information about breast cancer. Few of the participants 60 (30.9%) had performed BSE. Family history of breast cancer, knowledge, and attitude of BSE were found to be extensively associated with BSE practice. Conclusion: Health education programs are very much essential to encourage and improve women’s knowledge and practice of BSE, provide proper counselling so as to prevent further complications. As the knowledge 65(33.5%) and Practices about Breast Self Examination are very poor 99 (51%) It is very important to expand health educational programs to raise awareness about BSE and breast cancer so as to practice self-breast examination. Educational interventions are compulsorily required to encourage young women to perform BSE regularly at home, so that breast abnormalities can be detected early on and mortalities can be minimized