Investigating Women's Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and Their Knowledge and Attitudes towards Early Diagnosis in Nasiriyah City/Iraq

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of women over the age of 40 for breast cancer and their knowledge and attitudes towards early diagnosis in Nasiriyah city of Iraq. Materials and Methods: The study used a descriptive and cross-sectional design, and it was carried out on 120 women aged over 40 who presented to two different primary health care centers in Iraq between February and March 2020. Results: Of the total of women in the study, 6.66% had a history of breast cancer, 21.70% had a family history of breast cancer, 24.20% had benign breast disease, the first menarche age of 0.80% was 11 or below, and 6.66% had received radiotherapy to the chest area. It was determined that 83,30% of the women had a BMI value of 25 or above, 72,50% did not exercise, and that 50% had given birth to their first child at the age of 30 or over. When the knowledge and attitudes of women towards early diagnosis of breast cancer were examined, it was found that 51,60% performed Breast Self-Examination (BSE) irregularly, 78,80% had not had a clinical breast examination (CBE) before, and that 88,30% had not had mammography. Conclusion: It was determined that women in Iraq need training on overweight and obesity and physical activity, which are lifestyle-related risk factors. Also, it was found that women's attitudes towards BSE, CBE, and mammography were low and that their awareness and attitudes need to be improved on these issues.