A survey of the knowledge of the 20 year and older women on breast self-examination and mammography, southern Iran, 2009

Authors
Ziba Ziayifard
Khadijah Abdolahi
Razeyah Zahedi
Samira Rahmanian
Karamat Rahmanian
10.29252/jmj.10.2.49
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases among women, accounting for 19% mortality from cancers. Treatment is achieved if diagnosed in early stages. The aim of this survey was to determine the women’s level of knowledge about symptoms of breast cancer, breast self-examination and mammography. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study done on 615 married women aged 20 years and older. The data were collected through a valid and reliable questionnaire. Data were analyzed through SPSS, version 11.5. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, non-parametric test Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney, Chi square and fisher exact tests were used to find the relationship between the mentioned variables. Results: According to the results, the median knowledge score was 53.3. Knowledge based on individual characteristics was significantly related to the family history, employment and education level. Conclusion: This survey shows that the women’s knowledge about the mentioned variables was at a moderate level. Since raising knowledge of women and increasing their sensitivity to do regular and appropriate breast self-examination and mammography are very important, continuous educational programs seem to be necessary in order to promote their knowledge about how to detect breast cancer.
Keywords
Breast Self Examination
Mammography
Knowledge
Breast cancer