ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type and cause of death among women in many countries. Monthly breast selfexamination is an effective diagnostic method for breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the knowledge level and practice frequency of breast selfexamination among the students of the GATA Nursing School, the nurses of the GATA Hospital and some female patients who applied to the GATA Hospital. Hundred per cent of the nurses, 82% of the patients and 99% of the nursing students had sufficient knowledge about breast self-examination. Fifty eight per cent of the nurses, 20% of the patients and 53% of the nursing students reported regular practice of monthly breast selfexamination. However 8% of the nurses, 33% of the patients and 14% of the nursing students reported no practice of breast self-examination (p<0.001). Although participants' knowledge and practice level of breast self-examination are higher than those reported in similar national and international studies, it is not adequate considering the importance of early diagnosis of breast cancer, which is the most commonly observed cancer among women.