Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination Practice among Iranian Women in Hamedan, Iran

Background: In Iran, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and a major public health problem.<br>Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out to determine knowledge on breast cancer and breast selfexamination (BSE) practices of 384 females living in the city of Hamadan, Iran. A purposive sampling method<br>was adopted and data were collected via face-to-face interviews based on a validated questionnaire developed for<br>this study. Results: Among respondents 268 (69.8%) were married and 144 (37.5%) of the respondents reported<br>having a family history of breast cancer. One hundred respondents (26.0%) claimed they practiced BSE. Level<br>of breast cancer knowledge was signifcantly associated with BSE practice (p=0.000). There was no association<br>with demographic details (p<0.05). Conclusion: The fndings showed that Iranian women’s knowledge regarding<br>breast cancer and the practice of BSE is inadequate. Targeted education should be implemented to improve<br>early detection of breast cancer.