Shrestha Simangainda Deependra Man, Barma Aachal, Rawal Gunjana, Karn Mitesh, Jeevan B K, Adhikari Jayaj
Department of Clinical Oncology, Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Pokhara, Nepal.
Kristi PHC, Pokhara, Nepal.
Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2025 Mar 3;87(4):1904-1908. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000003117. eCollection 2025 Apr.
This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of breast cancer among nurses, a critical component of the healthcare workforce. While many previous studies have focused on female participants and students, this study specifically targets nurses working in a tertiary care center, given their crucial role in patient education, early cancer detection, and facilitating timely medical intervention.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 235 nurses working in the various departments of a tertiary care center from August to September 2021. Data on breast cancer knowledge were collected using structured questionnaires with knowledge levels categorized as "good" or "poor" using the median score as a cut-off. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were ensured through expert review and pilot testing. Descriptive statistics were used to present the findings.
Our study revealed overall good knowledge (64.7% correct answers) about breast cancer among the study participants. Most participants (93.2%) were aged 18-29, and 72.3% held a Proficiency Certificate Level in Nursing (PCL) nursing qualification. Only half of the respondents recognized obesity and smoking as risk factors, with common misconceptions including the belief that nulliparity and alcohol consumption are not risks. While over 90% identified breast lumps and enlargement as symptoms, only half recognized non-lump symptoms like nipple discharge and skin changes. Participants were highly aware of breast cancer detection tools, with nearly all recognizing clinical breast exams, mammography, and breast ultrasound. About 75.7% knew of biopsy, and 74.5% mentioned magnetic resonance imaging. Mammography was the most commonly recognized screening tool (95.7%).
While general awareness of breast cancer is high among nurses, specific gaps remain regarding certain risk factors and symptoms, including obesity, smoking, and non-lump breast cancer indicators. Targeted education through workshops or continuous medical education programs could enhance nurses' ability to effectively educate and screen patients.
本研究旨在评估护士群体对乳腺癌的知识和认知，护士是医疗保健 workforce 的关键组成部分。虽然之前许多研究聚焦于女性参与者和学生，但本研究专门针对在三级护理中心工作的护士，因为他们在患者教育、早期癌症检测以及促进及时医疗干预方面发挥着关键作用。
2021年8月至9月，对一家三级护理中心各科室的235名护士进行了描述性横断面研究。使用结构化问卷收集乳腺癌知识数据，以中位数分数为界值将知识水平分为“良好”或“较差”。通过专家评审和预试验确保问卷的有效性和可靠性。采用描述性统计呈现研究结果。
我们的研究显示，研究参与者对乳腺癌总体知识掌握良好（正确答案率为64.7%）。大多数参与者（93.2%）年龄在18 - 29岁之间，72.3%拥有护理专业证书水平（PCL）的护理资格。只有一半的受访者认识到肥胖和吸烟是风险因素，常见的误解包括认为未生育和饮酒不是风险因素。虽然超过90%的人将乳房肿块和增大识别为症状，但只有一半的人认识到乳头溢液和皮肤变化等非肿块症状。参与者对乳腺癌检测工具高度了解，几乎所有人都认识到临床乳房检查、乳腺X线摄影和乳房超声。约75.7%的人知道活检，74.5%的人提到磁共振成像。乳腺X线摄影是最常被认可的筛查工具（95.7%）。
虽然护士群体对乳腺癌的总体认知较高，但在某些风险因素和症状方面仍存在特定差距，包括肥胖、吸烟和非肿块乳腺癌指标。通过举办研讨会或持续医学教育项目进行有针对性的教育，可以提高护士有效教育和筛查患者的能力。
