KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BREAST CANCER AMONG NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the knowledge about breast cancer among Nursing students from universities in the city of Chillán (Chile). Materials and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out with third and fourth-year Nursing students from three universities of Chillán. The sample consisted of 187 students, who answered a survey related to their knowledge about breast cancer. Results: Most of the students demonstrated sufficient knowledge to distinguish signs and symptoms, treatments, and diagnoses of breast cancer as prospective healthcare practitioners. Difficulties regarding recognition of risk and protective factors related to breast cancer were observed. In relation to mammography tests, 80.7% indicated that they are performed before the age of 30. According to clinical guidelines, however, they should be performed after the age of 50, when there is no family history related to the disease. Conclusion: Students report knowledge of clinical guidelines, though it is difficult for them to identify risk and protective factors as well as specific treatment information. It is thus necessary to improve the level of education related to the prevention of breast cancer in study programs and encourage health promotion.