Investigating women's risk factors for breast cancer and their knowledge and attitudes towards early diagnosis in Nasiriyah city

Background: Differences in the incidence of breast cancer among countries can be attributed to environmental, behavioral, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of women in different societies towards breast cancer risk factors and early diagnosis. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of women over the age of 40 for breast cancer and their knowledge and attitudes towards early diagnosis in Nasiriyah city of Iraq. Methods: The study uses a descriptive and cross-sectional design, and it was carried out with 120 women aged over 40 who presented to two different primary health-care centers in Iraq between February and March 2020. Results: The study results indicate that 21.70% of the women in the study had a family history of breast cancer, 6.66% had a history of their own breast cancer, 24.20% had benign breast disease, and 0.80% had a first menarche age 11 years and below. and 6.66% received radiotherapy to the chest area. It was determined that 83,30% of the women had a BMI value of 25 or above, 72,50% did not exercise, and that 50% had given birth to their first child at the age of 30 or over. When the knowledge and attitudes of women towards early diagnosis of breast cancer were examined, it was found that 51,60% performed Breast Self-Examination (BSE) irregularly, 78,80% had not had a clinical breast examination (CBE) before, and that 88,30% had not had mammography. Conclusion: It was determined that women in Nasiriyah city needed training on overweight and obesity and physical activity, which are lifestyle-related risk factors. Also, it was found that women's attitudes towards BSE, CBE, and mammography were low and that their awareness and attitudes needed improving on these issues. Key Words: Breast cancer, Early diagnosis, Risk factor.