Gaurav Kumar,
Nidhi Kumari,
- Associate Professor, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Student, Department of Nursing, Vivekanand College of Nursing, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and is a major cause of death, with its incidence steadily rising in India. Detecting the disease at an early stage greatly enhances survival rates; however, many cases are identified late due to limited awareness and inadequate access to healthcare resources. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an easy, cost-effective practice that enables women to notice early changes in their breasts. It not only increases awareness but also motivates timely medical consultation and empowers women to take charge of their own health. Introducing BSE education during adolescence can help establish lifelong healthy habits. Despite its benefits, factors such as fear, embarrassment, and insufficient knowledge continue to hinder its consistent practice. The present study aimed to assess the impact of a self-instructional module on adolescents’ knowledge of BSE. A quantitative approach was used, employing a pre-experimental one-group pretest and posttest design. The research was carried out at DSB Inter College, Moradabad, involving 50 adolescent girls aged 16–19 years who were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire that evaluated three areas: knowledge, comprehension, and application. The results showed that before the intervention, 40 participants (80%) had poor knowledge, 8 (16%) had very poor knowledge, and only 2 (4%) demonstrated an average level of understanding. Following the implementation of the self-instructional module, there was a notable improvement: 36 participants (72%) achieved average knowledge scores, 12 (24%) attained good knowledge, and only 2 (4%) remained in the poor category. These findings indicate that the self-instructional module was effective in significantly enhancing the participants’ knowledge of BSE. The study findings showed a significant improvement in adolescent girls’ knowledge of BSE after the self-instructional module. Initially, most participants had a poor understanding, which improved to average and good levels after the intervention. This highlights the importance of structured educational strategies in promoting awareness and positive health behaviors. The study concludes that early BSE education can encourage lifelong healthy practices, support early detection of breast cancer, and reduce future health risks among women.
Keywords: Breast self-examination, adolescent girls, breast cancer awareness, health education, self-instructional module
[This article belongs to International Journal of Oncological Nursing and Practices ]
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International Journal of Oncological Nursing and Practices
| Volume | 04 | |
| Issue | 01 | |
| Received | 24/04/2026 | |
| Accepted | 29/04/2026 | |
| Published | 08/05/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 14 Days |