Women’s understanding of breast cancer and prevention in a Greek border community

Background: Breast cancer is a major health problem, as it leads to high mortality and morbidity in women around the world. However, as with many other types of cancer, gynecological cancer is a disease that can be prevented and treated if diagnosed early. Aim: This study investigates women’s knowledge and attitudes regarding the gynecological prevention of cancer at the border area of Greece, Orestiada, Evros. Methodology: A survey was conducted on women living in the Municipality of Orestiada to achieve the study’s goal. Convenience sampling was applied as the sampling method of the survey. The questionnaire measured attitudes, perceptions, and determinants of women’s behavior in gynecological cancer screening. The statistical analysis was performed with S.P.S.S. Results: 63.1% of women of all age groups have had mammography screening. It is noteworthy that in the age group over 40 years, 2% had not had a mammogram. 71.1% report that the fear of the result prevented them from performing a preventive check-up. 75.2% knew that the age group that starts pre-symptomatic screening is 31-40 years. 73.5% knew that breast cancer is largely treatable. Unfortunately, 8.7% of participants correctly answered the steps they can take to prevent breast cancer. Conclusions: This study concludes that it is important to improve breast cancer prevention by organizing health education programs methodically through information that may concern modern forms. The female population of the municipality of Orestiada has the opportunity to improve knowledge through continuous information as well as strengthen the cultural promotion of screening.