ASSESSMENT OF BREAST CANCER KNOWLEDGE AND RISK AWARENESS AMONG NURSES IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, and nurses play a crucial role in promoting early detection through patient education. This cross-sectional study assessed breast cancer risk factor knowledge among 609 registered female nurses at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, using stratified random sampling and a structured questionnaire based on Stager's Comprehensive Breast Cancer Knowledge Test. Knowledge levels were categorized as good, fair, or poor. Ordinal regression identified significant predictors of knowledge: nurses from private institutions (aOR = 4.23), those with experience caring for breast cancer patients (aOR = 1.41), those who had received a breast exam (aOR = 1.56), and those who had performed breast exams (aOR = 1.87) were more likely to have good knowledge. Only 35% of nurses demonstrated good knowledge. The findings emphasize the need to strengthen breast cancer education in nursing curricula and provide ongoing clinical training to improve early detection and patient care.