A Study on the Knowledge and Practices about Breast Self-Examination among women in slums of Mumbai.

Breast is the leading cause of cancer in Mumbai with relative proportion of 28.8% cases. It has been identified that vast majority of the females in the developing countries are unaware of performing regular Breast self-Examination. Breast Self-Examination is essential for early diagnosis of Breast cancer in slum areas as women living in slums suffer from poor health and unavailability of health services. It is the most cost-effective procedure which involves women looking and palpating each breast for lump, swelling, distortions and tenderness. It helps to increase awareness about risk factors and symptoms of Breast cancer  and improve self care among women. 

Methodology:

• Based on geographical distribution, Mumbai is divided into 6 zones. Each zone consists of 3 to 6 wards. 6th zone was randomly selected from these zones. 6th zone consists of 3 wards namely N, S, and T. Ward N was further randomly selected. It consists of 9 slums. Each of these 9 slums of ward N will be included in the study. These slums were considered as blocks and named as N1 to N9.
• PPS sampling technique will be adapted to select the number of households from each block. Households will be further selected randomly. From each household, one eligible participant will be selected using Kish grid method.
• A cross sectional study will be carried out among the women of age group 20 to 60 years. Before starting the interview, details of the study will be explained to them and informed consent will be taken.
• Interview will be based on the set of predetermined questionnaire. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the study.