OBJECTIVES: to investigate knowledge of and practices regarding risk factors for breast cancer among users of the Family Health Strategy (FHS). METHODS: a cross-sectional study was carried out among 393 women aged between 40 and 69 years using the FHS in the city of Dourados, in the Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul. An interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to investigate socio-demographic variables, family history and awareness/practices regarding the risk factors for breast cancer. The variables were described using simple frequency and a percentage. The association between awareness of the risk factors and the variables was confirmed using Fisher's exact test and the chi-square with a level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: the mean age was 52.5 ± 8.1 years, the mean years of schooling was 4.4±3.6 years, 52.4% of the women were black/colored and 66.6% had a partner. Of the women, 86.5% had received some information on breast cancer. The risk factors for the disease are known by 54.2% of the women. Awareness of the risk factors was associated with family history (p=0.004) and years of schooling (p=0.01). Where the risk factors were known, 52.2% of the women took preventive measures. CONCLUSION: the identification of variables related to greater awareness of the disease may facilitate the adoption of strategies aimed at the most vulnerable groups.
Breast neoplasms; Programs evaluation; Risk factors
