Background <p>Breast cancer is one of the most common and lethal diseases among women worldwide. The present cross-sectional study aims to assess the status and level of awareness of breast cancer among female university students of Odisha, India.</p> Methods <p>A total of 521 female university students aged 19–40 were randomly selected from several universities in southern Odisha, which is a predominantly tribal area. Sociodemographic data, the status of breast cancer, and family history were collected using a schedule, and breast cancer awareness information was collected through a self-modified questionnaire.</p> Results <p>The study found that the overall prevalence of breast cancer was 4.41%, and the family history of breast cancer was 10.17%. However, the prevalence of breast cancer among those who have a family history was 24.53%. The overall mean knowledge score was 6.60 out of 13. A significantly higher knowledge score was observed between those who had a family history (mean knowledge score: 7.73) and those who never had a family history (6.47). Notably, very few students (1.18%) practiced breast self-examination regularly, and only 9.98% of respondents had a clinical breast examination. Social media (69.75%) was the primary source of information, and educational workshops (76.2%) were the most preferred awareness methods.</p> Conclusion <p>There is a strong correlation between family history and the risk of getting the disease. It is recommended that targeted efforts to elevate breast cancer awareness can play a vital role in promoting early detection and reducing mortality rates.</p>