Knowledge of women from metropolitan region of Minas Gerais about breast cancer and its prevention

Abstract

Objective: Assessing gaps in the understanding of breast cancer and its prevention amongst women from metropolitan region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: This is a quanti-qualitative cross-sectional observational study in which questionnaires were applied to women from Minas Gerais through google forms. The questionnaire consists of three parts: (1) patient identification; (2) gynecological-obstetric history; (3) prevention of breast cancer. The association between categorical variables was assessed using Fisher's exact test. Analyzes were performed using the R software version 4.0.3 and a 5% significance level was adopted. Results: 78 women were included, half of them recruited in the health service and the other half through google forms. Among them, 14.1% are followed up by a gynecologist every 2 years or more often, 12% of women reckoned it was not necessary to have a mammogram when there was no findings during breast examination, and 34% do not know how to prevent breast cancer. Conclusion: Many women do not know how to prevent breast cancer. Therefore, trained health professionals should guide them about the importance of annual appointments with a gynecologist, having a mammogram and avoiding modifiable risk factors for breast cancer.