Knowledge of breast cancer among women living in rural areas

Bożenna Karczmarek-Borowska
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Aleksandra Stryjkowska
Monika Grądalska-Lampart
Monika Grybel
Clinic of Clinical Oncology, Podkarpackie Oncology Center, Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 1 in Rzeszow, Poland
Zakład Epidemiologii i Podkarpacki Rejestr Nowotworów Podkarpackie Centrum Onkologii w Rzeszowie, Polska
Zakład Epidemiologii i Podkarpacki Rejestr Nowotworów Podkarpackie Centrum Onkologii w Rzeszowie, Polska
Instytut Fizjoterapii Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego, Rzeszów, Polska

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge on prevention, risk factors, symptoms and screening for breast cancer among women living in rural areas, depending on their age and education.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 80 women living in rural areas of the Małopolska province and was based on the original questionnaire survey.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between age and education, and knowledge of risk factors, clinical symptoms and screening for breast cancer. 93.75% of the respondents indicated genetic factors as a risk factor. 86.25% of the women believe that the presence of hard, painless nodules is a symptom of breast cancer. 90% of the women indicated mammography as the primary screening test. There was a statistically significant difference in the knowledge of mammography (p = 0.004) and the age of commencement of this form of screening in the age groups (p = 0.008). The women over the age of 50 indicated much more appropriate response. The women with higher education represent greater knowledge on breast self-examination (p = 0.058). 78.75% of women identified media as the major source of information about breast cancer and 27% of respondents indicated doctors as their source of medical knowledge.

Conclusions: Knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer and knowledge of prevention is insufficient. The mass media are seen as the main source of information about breast cancer.

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