Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer in women is the commonest type of cancer worldwide. However, in Libya,
ordinary systematic screening for breast cancer is neglected.
Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the women's knowledge towards breast cancer
and its risk factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using self-administered questionnaire and face-to-face
interviews was conducted at different places in Tripoli city along a period of nine
months, from April-December 2013.
Results: The mean age (±bSD) of the participating women was 48±b5 years and out of 284 contributors
84.5% were married. One hundred and eighty women (63.4%) stated that long-term use
of contraceptive pills (> 5 years) increases the incidence rate of breast cancer.
Besides, more than half of participants (157 women) specified that breast cancer is
treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, although 50.7% of women
reported that mammography and ultrasound are used for early detection, more than 60%
of women believed that mammogram can cause cancer. In addition, our data demonstrate
that increased knowledge was associated with women who know how to do self-examination
and living in urban area.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that Libyan women have acceptable level of knowledge regarding
breast cancer. However, improvement of the health systems and awareness regarding
breast cancer is needed.
Key-words:
Women - Cancer screening - Breast cancer - Knowledge - Libya
