WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Zainab Amer Essa and Batool Ali Ghalib Yassin

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally, affecting both developing and developed countries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of female secondary school students in Al-Resafa, Baghdad, regarding BC risk factors, clinical manifestations, and detection methods, along with their knowledge, attitude, and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2022, involving 400 female students from four secondary schools. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, BC risk factors, symptoms, BSE knowledge and practice, and detection methods. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Test were used to analyze associations. Results: showed that 44.5% of participants had borderline knowledge of BC risk factors and symptoms, while 97.8% were aware of the possibility of recovery. However, BSE practice was poor, with only 1.5% performing it monthly. Of those who did not perform BSE, 36.8% cited lack of time. Mammography was considered the most appropriate detection method by 59.8%, while 16.5% preferred breast ultrasound. Despite a positive attitude towards BSE, knowledge and practice levels were low. Conclusion: BC awareness among students was borderline, and BSE practices were inadequate, indicating the need for educational interventions to improve early detection efforts.

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