Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination and Breast Cancer Risk Factors among Female Medical Students at the University of Benghazi

Vollständiger Abstract

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Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Libya, where late-stage diagnosis remains prevalent. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a low-cost, accessible screening tool particularly valuable in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of BSE, as well as awareness of BC symptoms, risk factors, and protective factors among female medical students at the University of Benghazi. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 422 undergraduate female medical students during the academic year 2023. Data were collected using a pre-coded self-administered questionnaire based on validated tools. Knowledge of BSE was assessed on a 9-item scale and was categorized as adequate (≥75%), moderate (50-74%), and poor (