iarjsIARJSIARJS2789-610210.47310/iarjs.2025.v05i01.006Awareness of Breast Lump Evaluation and Surgical Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Women in KangraBackground: Breast lumps are a common clinical concern in women, with early evaluation and timely treatment being crucial for distinguishing benign from malignant conditions. Despite medical advances and growing awareness initiatives, knowledge gaps and healthcare-seeking delays persist, particularly in rural regions of India. This study aimed to assess awareness, knowledge and attitudes regarding breast lump evaluation and surgical treatment among women in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh-a region marked by geographical and infrastructural healthcare challenges. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 adult women residing in Kangra. Data were collected through a structured and pre-validated online questionnaire available in Hindi and English via Google Forms. The questionnaire captured socio-demographic details, assessed knowledge on breast lumps, diagnostic methods, surgical treatment options and explored healthcare-seeking behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and knowledge scores were categorized into four levels: very good, good, fair and poor. Results: Participants demonstrated generally strong awareness, with 85% identifying a breast lump as an abnormal tissue growth and 88% recognizing typical symptoms. A significant proportion knew about breast self-examinations (82%), mammograms (81%), lumpectomy (80%) and the role of breast surgeons (86%). However, awareness was lower for aspects such as recurrence risk (69%), asymptomatic lumps (73%) and nipple discharge (70%). Knowledge scores revealed that 40% of women had very good knowledge, 40.5% good, 14% fair and 5.5% poor. Rural women and those with lower education levels tended to have lower awareness. Conclusion: While the overall awareness regarding breast lump evaluation and surgical treatment among women in Kangra is encouraging, substantial gaps remain in specific knowledge areas and among certain demographic groups. These findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally sensitive health education interventions, especially in rural and underserved communities. Strengthening breast health literacy through digital outreach, community-based programs and integration into existing health services can enhance early detection and treatment outcomes.