Auto-exame das mamas como fator de prevenção ao câncer: uma abordagem com estudantes de uma escola pública da cidade de São Francisco do Conde - Bahia

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge that the students of the Youth and Adult Education in High School, a public school in São Francisco do Conde, Bahia, present on concepts and importance of breast examination as a preventive factor for cancer early breast. The research was developed through an exploratory study of descriptive, quantitative type based on an evaluation questionnaire administered to a population made up of women aged between 18 and 70 years. Data collection was performed with 124 students who agreed to answer a questionnaire with open and closed questions on the examination of the breasts and their impact on the prevention of breast cancer. The main results showed that: there was a predominance of students in the age group 20-49 years old, self-styled black, with unmarried and childless. Additionally, we evaluated that prevailed women who know the breast exam, but do not realize it, and attending the gynecologist or general practitioner doctor 2-3 times a year, but the provider does not perform breast examination in most cases. From the present study it was possible to be seen that the information and guidance on the actions to prevent breast cancer in public health of this municipality has been ineffective, requiring therefore an intensification of the activities developed by health professionals working in activities related to women's health, promoting an increase in awareness of the importance of the examination of the breasts regularly.