Public Views and Behavior on Breast Cancer Screening Exams

Introduction. Several times at the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) health fairs we have the occasion to measure participants’ parameters that represent knowledge about the medical field. In March 2009 we launched a survey to measure the beliefs and behaviors toward the breast cancer screening exams. Objective. The main objective was to learn about public’s beliefs and practice of breast cancer screening exams. Methods. We focused on self-breast exams for all post-pubertal women and mammograms for women greater than 40 years of age. The family history of breast or ovarian cancer was questioned. Results. We analyzed 75 anonymous questionnaires administered to FOMA participants. Associations based on medical knowledge and physical exams were established. Conclusions. The ovarian cancer as a family history was not associated with the public’s beliefs and practice of breast cancer screening exams. Grants. Not funded.