P0228 Knowledge, attitude, and practice of Iranian women towards breast cancer screening methods

Background Female breast cancer is the second leading cause of death due to cancer. Increased use of screening methods has improved the ability to detect non-palpable lesions, and early detection is achievable. Unfortunately, in Iran, breast cancer occurs in younger women and is detected at more advanced stages. We investigated knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Iranian women regarding breast cancer screening, so that more appropriate training programmes can be offered if necessary. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was done of women who were referred to public health centres in the city of Sanandaj. Findings From 314 questionnaires, 296 women (94.3%) believed that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Participants had poor knowledge of breast cancer and screening methods (47.2% had poor knowledge of common symptoms, risk factors, and methods of early detection and diagnosis, 37.8% had average knowledge, and 15% had good knowledge). 55% had a poor attitude toward screening methods, 31.9% had an average attitude, and 13% had a good attitude. More than half (52.6%) of participants had never examined their breasts, and 95.5% did not have or intend to have mammography. According to Spearman’s correlation test, poor positive correlations were detected between the number of pregnancies and knowledge about cancer symptoms ( r  = 0.14, p r  = 0.23, p r  = 0.17, p Interpretation The results of this study suggest that Iranian women need more education on breast cancer, breast self-examination, and other methods of early detection. Since women’s beliefs and behaviours may have an impact on young women, planning training courses for this group is essential.