Breast cancer awareness and screening behavior: A cross sectional analysisof 2110 women

Objective: Early detection of breast cancer in the population requires awar eness of screening modalities and cooperation. We surveyed the awareness of women in two German cities. ' Methods: A total of 2600 copies of a 47-item questionnaire was displayed in gynecologic offices in two German cities. Results: A total of 2110 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 81%. Only 40% of respondents felt sufficiently informed about breast can cer and breast cancer screening. Awareness was associated with age, place o f residence, marital status, parity, and educational level. Their gynecolog ist was seen as the most important source of information by 48% of women. M ost women had mistaken ideas about their risk of developing breast cancer a nd risk factors for the disease. A large majority (94%) considered screenin g useful to detect the disease at a curable stage. A total of 51% of respon dents had had a mammogram and 30% of these had regular mammograms. A total of 75% of the respondents performed self examinations of the breast. Conclusion: Systematic education of the general population continues to be essential for promoting awareness of breast cancer and appropriate screenin g measures. Regional differences deserve study to reach a nationwide standa rd for breast cancer screening.