Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding breast cancer awareness and screening among women. Methods: This was a facility-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted in the Department of Community Medicine. Women from all age groups and backgrounds were eligible to be included in this study. Out of 220 selected detainees, 200 participants responded to the questionnaire with a response rate of 90.90% Results: The mean age was (36, standard deviation (SD): 13.7) years, and the ages of more than half of them 290 (60%) are from 18-30 years. 84 (42%) of them were illiterate and 72 (36%) had primary education. Regarding their marital status, the majority of them 116 (58%) was married. Additionally, 144 (72%) were housewives. About the participants’ knowledge about breast cancer, the majority of them 120 (60%) agreed that breast cancer is the most common cancer among females, and 120 (60%) said that breast cancer is a curable disease. Moreover, nipple discharge was the most commonly chosen symptom by the participants 88 (44%), and smoking was the most commonly selected risk factor for breast cancer 104 (52%). Furthermore, 104 (52%) of the participants did not know the methods of breast cancer diagnosis. The overall score of the participants’ revealed that more than half of them had poor knowledge about breast cancer, poor knowledge about breast cancer was significantly associated with low educational status, however it was not associated with the occupation of the participants and wasn’t associated with neither their marital status, nor their age. In this study, it was also observed that 70% of the study participants had positive attitude toward breast cancer screening. Despite having good knowledge and attitude toward breast cancer screening, the practice levels were still seen to be very low among study participants. Conclusion: The majority of the respondents think about breast self-examination as an important issue but they have poor practice. Thus, we recommend more health campaigns and educational sessions in such facilities.

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