OBJECTIVE:

To determine the percentage of women who are screened for breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Descriptive, prospective and observational study carried out between 2014 and 2016 by means of surveys in different cities of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Inclusion criteria: women residing in the state of Chihuahua, over 18 years of age. Study variables: knowledge and history of self-exploration, clinical examination, and mammography.

RESULTS:

3040 women were surveyed: 30% had never done self-examination, only 15% did it every month. 44% of women over 25 years of age had never had a clinical breast exam, 56% did it correctly. 28% had never had a mastography and only 38% had a screening.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results show the persistent lack of knowledge among women in the state of Chihuahua regarding the importance of self-examination, clinical examination and mammography as a means of breast cancer prevention. It is necessary for the health sector (public and private) to continue with campaigns that encourage women over 40 years of age to undergo mastography as an indispensable screening resource. It is crucial to standardize the processes and accredit the centers that perform these studies, in addition to strengthening the referral and counter-referral systems so that the patient arrives quickly to the second or third level hospitals.