Breast Cancer Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices among Non Medical Female Undergraduates in Sri Lanka: Implications for Health Education and Early Detection Strategies

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates breast cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among nonmedical female undergraduates in Sri Lanka. It aims to inform targeted interventions that enhance health education, promote early detection, and improve health outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 455 non-medical female undergraduates from five state universities using stratified random sampling. Data were collected via a structured, pre-tested questionnaire assessing demographics and KAP related to breast cancer. SPSS Version 23 was used for analysis, and Kruskal-Wallis tests examined associations between demographic variables and KAP indicators. Results: Overall, 67% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of breast cancer. Awareness was high for early detection methods (91.2%) and clinical breast examinations (93.2%) but lower for mammography (46.8%) and treatment options (49.7%). Knowledge gaps were significant regarding age-related risk factors and symptom recognition (p < 0.05). Attitudes were positive, with 97.8% interested in learning about risk factors and 94.1% prioritizing symptom awareness. Key demographic factors ethnicity, religion, and province were significantly associated with KAP variations, including clinic attendance (p = 0.001, p = 0.002) and preference for female doctors (p = 0.083, p = 0.077). Age was linked to passivity in health decision-making (p = 0.042), and marital status influenced information-sharing behaviour (p = 0.000). Universities and the National Cancer Control Programme were the most trusted information sources. Conclusion: The study highlights strong general awareness and positive attitudes but identifies critical knowledge gaps, especially around mammography and risk factors. Sociodemographic factors significantly influence KAP outcomes. These findings highlighted the need for culturally responsive, demographically tailored educational initiatives. Strengthening university-based and national awareness programs is essential to improving early detection and reducing the breast cancer burden among young women in Sri Lanka.