Survey the Knowledge of Women about Clinical Breast Examination: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Breast cancer is a disease that annually takes many victims of the disease in 99.5% of women and half of men. Incorporating breast cancer screening into day-to-day clinical care leads to early diagnosis and decreases mortality. Patients participation in screening depends on theirknowledge and attitudes. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of eligible women referred to 3 educational and remedial center affiliated to Guilan University of Medical Sciences in Rasht.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was done on 150 women referred to 3 educational and remedial center in Rasht. Datagathering tool consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire (including 30 items about breast self-examination) and its validity was measure by CVI,CVR. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistic (Chi Square test and regression analysis).Results: The mean age of women was 32+ _ 2.3 years and 73% of them were householder. Almost half (44.8%) of women who never had a ClinicalBreast Exam (CBE) and 44.1% of women who never had a mammography expressed a lack of knowledge about the existence of these screeningtechniques. Nearly one third of the participants interpreted the presence of a breast lump incorrectly and, moreover, expressed fewer worries about the nature of the lump than would normally be expected. Implications for practice: All women in the study showed signs ofinadequate cancer risk and the need for education and awareness is required so the design and implementation of screening programs and trainingcourses for nurses and midwives working in the healthcare system and the establishment of training centers for clinical trials of breast cancer inwomen seems to be necessary.

Keywords:

Clinical breast Examination , Knowledge , Women