AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE HEALTH SCIENCE STUDENTS IN DISTRICT BANNU

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, with early detection being critical to improving survival outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a low-cost, accessible screening method applicable even where advanced diagnostics are unavailable. Objectives: To assess BSE awareness levels, evaluate existing BSE practices, and determine the relationship between awareness and practice among female health science students in District Bannu. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among female health science students (N = 198) affiliated with Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Data were collected via a structured self-administered questionnaire using stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Chi-square tests, and independent samples t-tests were used for analysis. Results: BSE awareness was high (84.2%), but only 58.2% had ever performed BSE. Monthly BSE practice was reported by 41.8%, while 37.5% had never practiced BSE. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between awareness and practice (r = .29, p < .001). Chi-square analysis confirmed that high-awareness students practiced BSE significantly more than low-awareness students (67.5% vs. 34.6%; χ² = 12.41, p = .002). Married students showed higher practice scores than single students (t = −2.32, p = .021). Conclusion: A significant knowledge-practice gap exists in this population. Awareness alone is insufficient to ensure regular BSE practice. Skill-based training, behavioral reinforcement, and culturally sensitive educational interventions should be embedded in health science curricula.