Knowledge, attitude and practice of menopause women towards breast cancer

Premenopausal women with breast cancer often enter a premature menopause during initial treatment of their malignancy, with resulting loss of childbearing capacity, onset of menopausal symptoms, and subsequent prolonged exposure to long-term risks of menopause. Adjuvant therapy is believed to contribute to this early menopause. Methods 96 menopause women from 5 health center in Shahrekord were recruited for the study in in February 2014. Using interviewer-administered questionnaires designed to socio demographic information and knowledge, attitude and practices of these women towards breast cancer. Results Study participants had poor knowledge of breast cancer. Mean knowledge score was 32.6%. Practice of breast self-examination was low; only 47.2% participants admitted to carrying out the procedure in the past year. Only 7.1% study participants had clinical breast examination in the past year. Women with higher level of education were significantly more knowledgeable about breast cancer. Participants with higher level of education were more likely to practice breast self-examination. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that menopause women have poor knowledge of breast cancer and minority practice BSE and CBE. In addition, education appears to be the major determinant of level of knowledge and health behavior among the study participants. We recommend strategies and guidelines that will enhance information about breast cancer to all women.