Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy, and its incidence is on rise in Libya. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of inadequate knowledge about cancer breast and its risk factors among Libyan women resident in Sirte, and to examine if any of their socio-demographic characteristics (age, occupation, marital status, educational level and income) are associated with having inadequate knowledge status. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a 200 Libyan females was conducted from January to June 2019 at Sirte city. Women were interviewed using a specifically designed questionnaire to gather data relevant to breast cancer and its risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 48.0±12.1, and those who reported having no formal education constituted 46.5% of the sample. Overall, the frequency of inadequate knowledge about breast cancer was considerable (59.5%). Up to 90.0% know that the statement “Cancer has no treatment” is incorrect. The most known risk factor for breast cancer was “lack of breast-feeding” (86.0%). However, the least known risk factors of breast cancer were the hormonal replacement therapy (22.0%) and use of contraceptive pills (26.5%). No significant association between level of knowledge towards breast cancer and any of the studied socio-economic characteristics. Conclusion: The findings show a fairly considerable rate of inadequate knowledge about several aspects of breast cancer and its risk factors. Therefore, there is a need to plan for and implement educational programs to improve the level of knowledge about breast cancer and its risk factors among women in Sirte. Such actions are foreseen to contribute to cancer breast prevention among Libyan woman.