BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. The nurses play a key role in promoting breast and cervical cancer awareness because they have direct contact with general population. AIM of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of the nurses regarding early detection of breast and cervical cancer. DESIGN: A descriptive design. SETTING: The study was conducted at 33% (10) of family health centers in rural areas related to Benha city. Multi-stage random SAMPLE, systematic random sample for family health centers and convenient sample for the nurses, sample size is 110 nurses. TOOLS: The tools of data collection were self administrated questionnaire sheet, modified likert scale and observation checklist for clinical breast examination. RESULTS: The present study showed that, less than three quarters of nurses hah poor knowledge, more than three quarters of them had unsatisfactory level of performance and less than half of them had highly positive attitude. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that, less than three quarters of nurses hah poor knowledge, more than three quarters of them had unsatisfactory level of performance and less than half of them had highly positive attitude. RECOMMENDEDATIONS: Educational program regarding breast and cervical cancer and early detection measures are recommended for the nurses working at family health centers. Workplace training regarding early detection measures of breast and cervical cancer should be available for all nurses to improve their practices.


Key words: Breast cancer, cervical cancer, early detection, screening tests.