Assessment of Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Iraqi Female University Students

Abstract

The most common type of cancer is breast cancer, which is characterized by the unchecked proliferation of breast cells. Breast cancer can take many different forms, depending on which breast cells become malignant. It is believed to be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality for women in Iraq, regardless of their age or ethnicity. Objective: to determine how well-informed female university students are about the signs, causes, and screening methods of breast cancer in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics and attitude toward the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on female students attending various universities in Iraq between December 2, 2021, and February 17, 2022. It was accomplished by distributing a validated pretested Arabic questionnaire. For the sake of secrecy and to encourage their candid responses, participants were asked to respond to 11 questions about their understanding of breast cancer and their opinions of its management and treatment results. No other personal information was asked. Results: female students 684 from a range of age groups (18–40) from various universities in Iraq responded to the questionnaire; nonetheless, the mean age of the respondents was 21 (about 22.6%). A 68.7% of participants understood lump or thickness in the breast may be a sign of breast cancer, according to 60.2% of respondents, though that breast bleeding or discharge may be breast cancer sign. Most of the participants are well-informed on the risk factors associated with breast cancer. 74.9% of respondents said they understood the basics of breast cancer screening procedures, Incorporating the clinical breast examination (CBE) and breast self-examination (BSE) as early detection techniques. The effectiveness of breast cancer treatments was likewise viewed favorably by the students. Conclusion: Each participant showed a sufficient level of understanding on the symptoms, risk factors and techniques for breast cancer screening. Nevertheless, it is critical to encourage self-screening public education and advise health authorities on how to set up efficient breast healthcare programs that cater to Iraq's whole female population.