BREASTFEEDING AND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AMONG YOUNG MOTHERS IN UZBEKISTAN:A PILOT STUDY

Breastfeeding provides essential infant nutritional benefits and serves as a major non-pharmacological pro­tective factor against maternal breast cancer. This study evaluated maternal knowledge regarding World Health Or­ganization (WHO) lactation guidelines, breast cancer awareness, and primary preventive behaviors in Uzbekistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 31 young mothers across rural and urban regions of Uzbekistan via dedicated Telegram maternal communities. Results: Knowledge of WHO exclusive breastfeeding recommendations was high (96.8%), as was awareness of the protective oncological effect of lactation (90.3%). Healthcare personnel (48.4%) and Telegram digital channels (45.2%) were primary information channels. However, 41.9% of mothers had never performed self-breast examination (SBE), despite 12.9% reporting a positive family history of breast cancer. Conclusion: While theoretical health literacy is high, an actionable gap exists in routine screening behaviors, highlighting the need for digital, skill-focused health communication modules.