KNOWLEDGE OF WOMEN SEEN IN PRIMARY CARE ABOUT THE EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER

Objectives: : to investigate the knowledge of women assisted in Primary Care about early detection of breast cancer. Method: quantitative and cross-sectional study, conducted with 265 women in age for mammographic screening. The collection was performed face-to-face with a validated Breast Cancer Awareness Measure instrument. Results: it was found that there is, in general, knowledge about the clinical signs of breast cancer, however there is lack of knowledge about the recommended age for the examination, and there was no consensus about the hereditary factors for breast cancer. The difficulty in making appointments and the lack of transportation were pointed out as barriers that hinder the search for health professionals. Conclusion: it is essential to strengthen actions for early detection of breast cancer, with production and dissemination of knowledge and provision of subsidies to ensure rapid and easy access to screening and early diagnosis initiatives.