Author/Authors :
Alwan, N.A.S. Baghdad Medical College - Breast Cancer Research Unit, Iraq , Alwan, N.A.S. Iraqi National Cancer Research Program, Iraq , Al-Attar, W.M. Baghdad Medical College - Breast Cancer Research Unit, Iraq , Eliessa, R.A. Baghdad Medical College - Breast Cancer Research Unit, Iraq , Madfaie, Z.A. Baghdad Medical College - Breast Cancer Research Unit, Iraq , Tawfeeq, F.N. Baghdad Medical College - Breast Cancer Research Unit, Iraq
Abstract :
This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice towards breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) among 387 (302 females and 85 males) educated Iraqis affiliated to 2 Iraqi universities. The participants were categorized into 3 occupations: student (71.3%), teaching staff (10.3%) and administrative staff (18.3%). About half of the participants had a low knowledge score ( 50%); only 14.3% were graded as “Good” and above. Almost 75% of the participants believed that the best way to control breast cancer was through early detection and other possible preventive measures. Most participants (90.9%) had heard of BSE, the main source of information being television. However, only 48.3% practised BSE; the most common reason for not doing so was lack of knowledge of how to perform the technique correctly. Almost 84% of the female participants were willing to instruct others in the technique of BSE.
