Breast Cancer Detection: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Doctors and Nurses from the Family Health Strategy of Mossoró, RN, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous and complex disease observed by multiple forms of clinical and morphological presentations, degrees of tumor aggressiveness and metastasis potential. In this way, in order to comply with the Unified Health System principles, the Ministry of Health prioritized the family as the basic unit for assistance. Objective: To investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of doctors and nurses from the Family Health Care Strategy in Mossoro, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, as to breast cancer early detection. Methodology: A cross-sectional and inferential study. Data was collected in March 2008 and a self-applied questionnaire was given to 33 doctors and 47 nurses whose average age was 42. Results: It was observed that the years at work and the high turnover rate among health care professionals made it difficult for their capacitation. There is a valorization of the clinical breast exam in detriment to a mammography request to early diagnose breast cancer. An insufficient number of skilled health professionals and the population’s lack of knowledge are limiting factors to screen breast cancer. Young women in the high risk group do not usually receive a mammography request. Conclusion: It was observed a need to qualify these professionals to consolidate the National Program for Permanent Health Education, increase the offer of mammograms and promote health education for the general public.