Determination of breast cancer awareness among female university student

The aim of this study is to determine the awareness of female university students about breast cancer. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted with 201 female students at Dhi Qar University of Nursing in Nasiriyah city between September 2021 and April 2022. In the study, data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and Breast Cancer Awareness Scale. The survey was conducted face-to-face with the participants. In the study, it was determined that 81.6% of female university students were single, 58.7% were between the ages of 21-23, 71.1% had no children and 71.1% had sufficient income. On the other hand, it was determined that 98.5% of the participants were aware of breast cancer and 52.7% of them was the internet source of breast cancer information. In the study, the mean total score of the breast cancer awareness scale of female university students was found to be 37.71±3.80. When the analysis results of the scale sub-dimensions are examined; mean knowledge about breast cancer symptoms is 14.67±2.69, age-related risk level mean score is 6.64±0.71, breast control mean score is 6.71±0.62, and risk factors awareness mean score is 9.69 It was determined to be ±1.17. As a result, the breast cancer awareness level of female university students was found to be high. However, it was determined that the breast cancer awareness levels of female university students were affected by variables such as age, income level, and source of information, while the variables such as marital status, awareness and number of children did not. According to these results, it is recommended to develop comprehensive training and counseling programs to improve the knowledge and awareness levels of female university students about early diagnosis and treatment methods for breast cancer. Keywords: Breast Cancer, Awareness, Female, University Students, Nursing.