Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices related to breast and cervical cancer among rural women in Sidama, Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Breast and cervical cancers are the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. In Ethiopia, there is limited context-specific evidence regarding women’s knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices related to breast and cervical cancer in rural communities. This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding breast and cervical cancer among rural women in Dalle district, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 women aged ≥ 18 years who were residents of rural kebeles in Dalle District, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia, and attended the selected public health facilities for reproductive health services during the study period. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and the distribution of study variables, while binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with breast cancer knowledge. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 with 95% confidence intervals. Results Overall, 84.83% of participants had poor knowledge of breast cancer, while 38.76% had inadequate knowledge of cervical cancer. Negative attitudes toward breast and cervical cancer were reported by 53.36% and 54.71% of participants, respectively. Only 32% had ever practiced breast self-examination. Better breast cancer knowledge was significantly associated with younger age (AOR = 5.22; 95% CI: 1.72–15.90), higher educational attainment (AOR = 6.54; 95% CI: 2.91–14.73), and access to information (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.66–6.21). Conclusion Among rural women, knowledge and preventive practices related to breast and cervical cancer were limited, with substantial gaps in cancer-related knowledge, unfavorable attitudes, and low breast self-examination practice. Better breast cancer knowledge was associated with younger age, higher educational attainment, and access to information. Strengthening community-based and school-based, age-appropriate health education through accessible information channels will improve cancer knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among rural women.