Knowledge, attitudes and practice of breast self-examination among over 20-year females in Tehran

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Iranian women. Early detection of breast cancer is effective in reducing its mortality rate. The easiest and cheapest way for early detection of this disease is Breast self-examination (BSE). Therefore this study, investigates the knowledge, attitudes and practice of BSE among over 20 years female. This descriptive cross sectional study was done among over 20 years female in Tehran, years 2015-16. The method of sampling was convenience sampling. With KAP questionnaire knowledge, attitude and practice of these participants was assessed. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods. The mean age of participants was 32.51 years. In part related to breast cancer knowledge 40.57% and in part related to BSE knowledge 23.03% of participants had good knowledge. 47.86% of participants had positive attitudes, but only 11.6% of them performed BSE regularly every month. finding of this study showed the participants have inappropriate knowledge, attitude and performance about BSE. So it seems necessary to devise and implement various educational and interventional programs in Health Centers to promote public awareness regarding preventive behaviors and particularly self examination.