Breast cancer : knowledge, attitudes and practices of female secondary schoolteachers and students in Samarra City

Abstract EN

This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice towards breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) among 225females (125 schoolteachers &100 students) in female secondary schools in Samarra City, from November 2013 to March 2014.

The result of the study indicated that majority of female had better knowledge level about breast cancer and (BSE) but with bad practice.

Television was most reported source of information on breast cancer and (BSE) mentioned by the respondents.

The knowledge of the respondents about breast cancer was assessed and scored.

The most reported correct answer about breast cancer symptoms was painless lump for schoolteachers 84.8% and change in breast shape for students 88%.Radiation was the most known risk factor in all 100% of teachers ,while the most known one in students was smoking 99%.

In spite of about 73.3% of participants had heard about BSE ,only 27.6% of them practiced it even at irregular intervals.67.7%of them are of high knowledge level and 32.3%are of moderate level.

This study demonstrated that majority of respondents were aware of breast cancer as a disease entity, but their practice toward breast self examination was poor.

Accordingly, relevant educational programs to improve the practices of females regarding (BSE) are needed and qualitative researches to recognize the factors effective in the improvement knowledge and practices of breast cancer screening methods among these females are necessary.