Breast Cancer Knowledge and Practice Among Women Attending Health Centres During Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Abstract

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with late-stage diagnosis being particularly prevalent in low and middle-income countries such as Libya. Despite ongoing health education and recurrent awareness campaigns, there remains a gap between knowledge of breast cancer and actual screening practices among Libyan women. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and screening practices related to breast cancer among women attending healthcare centers in Benghazi, Libya, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, October 2022.

PATIENTS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to 262 women aged 20–75 years. Participants were recruited from eight healthcare centers during October 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Libyan International University Research Ethics Committee.

RESULTS The majority of participants demonstrated good knowledge of breast cancer (82.8%) and its screening methods, including breast self-examination (BSE: 73.3%), clinical breast examination (CBE: 74.4%), and mammography (60.3%). However, only 32% exhibited adequate screening practices: 26% practice BSE, 39.7% underwent CBE, and 30.5% have had mammography. Marital status and age significantly influenced both knowledge and practice levels.

CONCLUSION While awareness of breast cancer and early detection methods are high among Libyan women participating in awareness campaigns, significant gaps persist in translating this knowledge into practice. Targeted interventions are urgently needed to improve screening uptake and reduce late-stage diagnoses.