Factors influencing nurses' breast cancer control activity

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Public Health
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Registered nurses play a crucial role in patient education and health promotion.
• Understanding nurses' current knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast cancer is essential for improving screening and early detection initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess registered nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to breast cancer risk and screening.
• To identify perceived barriers hindering nurses' engagement in breast cancer control activities.
• To explore nurses' self-perceived roles in breast cancer screening and early detection.

Main Methods:

• A needs assessment survey was distributed to 2800 registered nurses in a major metropolitan area.
• Data were collected from 1,117 nurses regarding their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to breast cancer control.
• Statistical analysis was used to identify trends and significant findings.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported knowledge deficits in breast cancer risk factors (36%) and signs/symptoms (35%).
• Over 85% believed nursing has a role in breast cancer screening, with 60% anticipating increased future activity.
• Common barriers included work setting issues (64%), knowledge/skill deficits (57%), lack of materials (51%), role ambiguity (52%), and time constraints (42%).

Conclusions:

• Nurses possess favorable attitudes towards cancer prevention and early detection, viewing themselves as valuable resources.
• Addressing identified barriers, such as knowledge gaps and work setting obstacles, is critical to fully utilize nurses in breast cancer screening and early detection programs.
• Enhancing nurses' capacity can significantly improve public health outcomes in breast cancer control.