ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS REGARDING BREAST CANCER SCREENING AND EARLY DETECTION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN BAGHDAD, IRAQ: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Breast cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide. Family physicians play an essential role in promoting screening and early detection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of family physicians regarding breast cancer screening in primary health care centers in Baghdad, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 106 family physicians working in primary health care centers in Baghdad. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, screening practices, and perceived barriers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Most participants were females (84.9%), and 67.9% were aged 30–45 years. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 4.77 ± 2.93, 6.74 ± 0.50, and 7.21 ± 3.05, respectively. Mammography was recognized by 94.3% of physicians, while only 32.1% always referred eligible women for mammography. Screening practices were significantly associated with clinical experience (P=0.014), primary healthcare experience (P=0.001), and previous screening training (P<0.001). Heavy workload (43.4%) and insufficient consultation time (39.6%) were the principal reported barriers. Conclusion: Family physicians demonstrated favorable attitudes but comparatively lower knowledge and screening practice scores. Strengthening professional training, standardized screening protocols, and referral systems may improve breast cancer early detection services.