Perceptions about breast cancer among college students: implications for nursing education

Nurses are in a key position to enhance knowledge, correct misperceptions, and allay fears related to breast cancer. However, little attention is given to these psychosocial issues in nursing texts, and the extent to which they are covered within nursing curricula is unclear. This study, guided by the Powe Fatalism Model, compared perceptions about breast cancer and sources of cancer information among a random sample (n = 158) of nursing and non-nursing female students (mean age = 24). Data were collected using a Breast Cancer Perceptions and Knowledge Survey and a demographic questionnaire. A significant number of myths and misperceptions related to breast cancer were prevalent within both groups. Few nursing students reported obtaining information on common perceptions about cancer from their coursework. More research is needed to understand how the nursing students' perceptions about breast cancer influence their ability to provide patient care across the cancer continuum.