Knowledge of the risk factors and prevention of breast cancer among secondary school schoolgirls

Background. Education processes of young people should develop the need to care about their own health. Objectives. The aim of the study was the evaluation of knowledge about breast cancer prevention among secondary school schoolgirls. Material and methods. The research, using diagnostic poll method, was conducted among 300 schoolgirls from secondary schools in Szczecin. Results. Despite declaration of knowledge of the principles of breast self-examination, only few more than 1/3 girls from high school and less than 30% schoolgirls form vocational schools performed it according to the recommendations. Conclusions. The level of knowledge of the risk factors and prevention of breast cancer among schoolgirls from secondary schools in Szczecin, regardless of type of school, is unsatisfactory. A higher level of commitment of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, to the processes of health education for the prevention of breast diseases is needed.