[Knowledge on screening and diagnosis of breast cancer among gynecologists in Goiãs State (Brazil)].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the knowledge level on the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer among the gynecologists of the State of Goiãs, Brazil.


METHODS
Questionnaires containing professional information and questions on breast cancer screening were posted for all the 427 gynecologists associated to the Goiãs Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, between May and July of 1999.


RESULTS
Of the 427 questionnaires, 26 (6%) were returned because incorrect mailing address. Of the 401 doctors who received the questionnaire, 85 (21%) answered and returned them back. Of these, 28% were female; the average of the profession time was of 17 years. The medical residence was the highest title level for 70%. The average age of the doctors was 44 years. The rates of correct answers were: 94% for the knowledge of the most frequent sign of breast cancer, 75% for the best method for screening, 88% for the period of when the mammography begins, 93% for the periodicity of the mammography after the 50 years and 83% about the indication of the complementary ultrasound. The doctors who have studied in a program of medical residence was the only factor that influenced the rate of correct answers, if compared to those that did not cursed it. The professional's gender, the Title in Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialty (TEGO) holders and the city of work did not influence the rates of correct answers.


CONCLUSIONS
The gynecologists of the State of Goiãs who answered the questionnaire have a good knowledge on the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. Medical residence was the single factor that influenced the rate of correct answers.
de Freitas Júnior
Ruffo
R
Universidade Federal de Goiás e Serviço de Ginecologia e Mama do Hospital Araújo Jorge da Associação de Combate ao Câncer en Goiás, GO, Brasil. ruffo@medicina.ufg.br
de Oliveira
Evelling Lorena Cerqueira
EL
Marinho
Eneida Ribeiro
ER
Zampronha
Rossana Araújo Catão
RA
Pereira
Rubens José
RJ
Soares
Francisco Aquino
FA
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires