# An Intervention Study Assessing the Effects of a Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Education Program on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Adolescent Female Students in Madurai, South India

## TL;DR

A health education program improved adolescent girls' knowledge and attitudes toward breast and cervical cancer in South India.

## Contribution

A quasi-experimental study demonstrating significant improvements in cancer-related knowledge and attitudes among adolescent female students.

## Key findings

- Breast cancer knowledge scores increased significantly from 28.52 to 78.50 three months post-intervention.
- Cervical cancer knowledge scores rose from 27.69 to 79.47 after the program.
- Improved attitudes toward cervical cancer screening were observed, with 28.8% promoting screening practices.

## Abstract

Background

In India, the incidence of breast and cervical cancer is alarming, with inadequate screening rates highlighting the need for improved awareness and practices to combat late-stage diagnoses. Health education plays a crucial role in promoting effective cancer prevention and detection practices, especially among young female students, as early intervention fosters enduring health-conscious behaviors.

Methodology

In a quasi-experimental study conducted from October 2024 to April 2025, 250 female students from classes 9-12 at a private school in Madurai received health education. A semi-structured questionnaire collected socio-demographic data and assessed breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, which were examined immediately and three months after the intervention.

Results

The mean age of the students was 14.63 ± 1.09 years; 211 (84.4%) belonged to the upper socioeconomic class, and 246 (98.4%) had experienced menarche. Three months post-intervention, breast cancer knowledge scores increased from 28.52 ± 21.84 to 78.50 ± 21.57 (t = 25.40, p < 0.01), and attitude scores improved from 78.86 ± 10.03 to 85.92 ± 9.87 (t = 8.08, p < 0.01). Similarly, the overall knowledge for cervical cancer increased from 27.69 ± 20.89 to 79.47 ± 22.73 (t = 25.92, p < 0.01), and the overall attitude toward cervical cancer improved from 66.61 ± 9.50 to 81.98 ± 8.82 (t = 18.54, p < 0.01). After three months, 87 (34.8%) of participants promoted breast self-examination (BSE), and 72 (28.8%) promoted cervical cancer screening.

Conclusions

The structured health education program effectively enhanced schoolgirls' understanding and practices regarding breast and cervical cancer. However, sustained behavior changes require ongoing support, highlighting the importance of continuous reinforcement.