Breast cancer is recognized as a multifactorial disease and is a foremost public health concern, threatening lives globally. Diagnosis tends to occur at later stages, which may be due to inadequate knowledge, poor practice and a negative attitude. Early detection and consequently, initial management lead to a better prognosis, thus reducing death and illness. The main aim of this study was to evaluate breast cancer knowledge, attitude and practice, to assess the relationship between educational status with knowledge and attitude toward breast cancer and to identify the barriers to screening. An online survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Indian women using a self-generated questionnaire for a period of six months. Breast cancer awareness measure (BCAM) was used to assess knowledge of breast cancer. A total of 660 women participated in this study. Majority of the women had poor knowledge, neutral attitude and poor practice. “Bleeding from the nipple” was believed to be a sign of breast cancer by most of the women (58.3%). 71.8% women ‘rarely or never’ practiced breast self-examination. A statistically significant association was found between the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer and demographic characteristics. Women with higher knowledge score reported lower barriers (negative beta coefficient) compared to others. Our study concluded that educational status had a significant association with knowledge, attitude and practice of breast cancer. These outcomes suggest a need for more effective awareness programs. Promotion of free regular health check-ups among general population will decrease the disease burden.

KEYWORDS: cancer, breast cancer, women.