Assessment of Knowledge Levels and Information Sources Related to Breast Diseases: A Prospective Questionnaire Survey

Introduction: We aimed to improve the chance of early diagnosis and curative treatment, to evaluate the level of knowledge about breast diseases and complaints, to increase the awareness and relationship between patients and surgeons, and to put forth the patient's expectations from surgeons because of the importance of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: 100 female patients, who were admitted to general surgery policlinic of Izmir University Faculty of Medicine between January 2016 to April 2016 with complaints of breast disease were studied prospectively via face-to-face questionnaire form. Results: The relationship between having knowledge about mammography and the frequency of mammography was examined and it has been statistically shown that patients who have knowledge about mammography have taken mammography more regularly and frequently. The relationship between complaints of admission to the general surgery policlinic and smoking was examined and it was statistically shown that complaints of the smokers were more frequent. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of breast cancer gives a chance to have a healthy life while at the same time enables breast preserving surgery with early diagnosis and increases the quality of life. It is necessary to accelerate the level of patient knowledge and awareness.