Prophylaxis of breast cancer among nurses in health care settings in the city of Lublin.

The goal of this project was to assess the kind, extent and knowledge about the actions undertaken by nurses in the field of primary and derivative prophylaxis of breast cancer. The research was conducted with the use of an anonymous poll. We surveyed 180 nurses from medical centres in Lublin. The data included in 150 questionnaires which were qualified for the research were statistically analyzed. Despite medical education and theoretically easier access to medical services the research showed inadequate knowledge about the disease and lack of individual preventive actions of women employed in this sector. Insufficient knowledge about the ways of primary prophylaxis of the methods of early detection of breast cancer may be the reason why health-oriented habits are not given proper attention. Only 24 per cent of the polled women perform regular monthly breast self-control. The surveyed group of nurses display a rather passive attitude towards screening tests. Out of 51 per cent of the respondents who were given a chance to have screening tests just a little more than one third took advantage of this opportunity. The reason, according to the surveyed, was too low awareness, lack of time and fear of the disease.