Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a widely used, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure, particularly for evaluating thyroid and breast lesions. Despite its simplicity and safety, many patients experience anxiety and harbor misconceptions about the procedure. Objective: To assess the level of understanding and the degree of anxiety experienced by patients undergoing thyroid and breast FNAC in a tertiary care centre in Chikkamagaluru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Chikkamagaluru over a period of 1 year. A total of 150 patients scheduled for thyroid or breast FNAC were interviewed using a structured questionnaire assessing their knowledge of the procedure and their anxiety levels using a standardized anxiety scale (e.g., GAD-7). Demographic data, clinical history, and prior exposure to FNAC were also recorded. Results: Out of the 150 participants, 72% were female and 28% male, with a mean age of 42.3 years. While 68% of patients had heard of FNAC before the procedure, only 35% could correctly describe its purpose. High levels of anxiety were observed in 58% of patients, with significantly higher scores among those undergoing the procedure for the first time or lacking adequate pre-procedure counselling. Patients who received prior explanation from healthcare providers showed markedly reduced anxiety levels (p < 0.01). Conclusion: There is a clear gap in patient understanding regarding FNAC procedures, contributing to heightened anxiety. Structured patient education and counselling prior to FNAC can significantly reduce anxiety and improve patient compliance and satisfaction.

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