Background <p>Breast cancer awareness is crucial for early detection and better outcomes. This study evaluates the awareness of breast cancer warning signs, risk factors, and the practice of Breast Self-Examination among women from low socio-economic backgrounds in South India.</p> Methods <p>A cross sectional study was conducted from March 1 to March 31, 2023, using a self-administered structured questionnaire among 271 women aged 18–75&#xa0;years with no prior cancer history. The Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (Breast CAM) Toolkit (version 2) was employed to assess knowledge of warning signs, risk factors, and BSE practices. Socio-demographic variables, including age, education, marital status, occupation, and family cancer history, were also collected.</p> Results <p>Awareness of key breast cancer warning signs was high, with 83.4% recognizing lumps and 73.1% aware of breast pain. However, uncertainty remained regarding signs such as nipple retraction (13.3%) and rash (10.0%). Knowledge of risk factors was generally poor, with significant gaps in understanding lifestyle-related factors. Only 48.3% of participants performed BSE monthly, while 43.1% never practiced it. Higher education correlated with better knowledge of warning signs (<i>p</i> = 0.042), and a family history of cancer was linked to greater awareness of warning signs (<i>p</i> = 0.0451).</p> Conclusion <p>The awareness of breast cancer warning signs is relatively high, knowledge of risk factors and BSE practices among women in low socio-economic areas in South India needs improvement. Targeted educational interventions are essential to enhance breast cancer awareness and promote regular BSE practices for early detection.</p>