ABSTRACT:Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the levei of knowledge and practice of breast câncer screening of Primary Healthcare users. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Family Health Strategy in Goiânia, Brazil. Data were collected from 320 women aged between 40 and 69 years who were recruited during the months of May to July of 2016. For data analysis, we used the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies, besides the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test to examine the association between knowledge and practice of the exams. The Kruskal-Wallis’ test was used to compare the differences between the sources of health information and the practice of breast câncer screening exams. Results: The health professional was the main source of information for the practice of screening exams (p=0,003). Having heard about the screening tests (p<0.001) and know the recommended age (p=0.01) significantly favored their practice. Only 35.9% of the women were aware of screening recommendations for their age. Family history (28.8%) was the most cited risk factor, although 33.4% were unaware of any factor. According to women, the breast nodule (70.9%) and pain (35.3%) are the main symptoms related to breast câncer. Conclusions: Most women have heard about breast câncer but many are unaware of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of the disease. The practice of screening tests was significantly associated with having heard about the exam and the health professional as a source of information. This study revealed poor knowledge of breast câncer, risk factors and the screening methods among women. Results justiíy educational programs to raise women’s adherence to breast câncer screening programs in Goiânia. Therefore, it is necessary to develop primary health actions for the most vulnerable population.Breast câncer; Mass screening; Knowledge; Primary health care.
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