Evaluation of the knowledge of nursing professionals in relation to breast cancer: systematic review of literature.

Abstract

Introduction – Breast cancer has presented an increase on its incidence rate and mortality in the last few years. One of the main pieces for controlling this rate are the nursing professionals, since they are fundamental for the prevention and early diagnosis of this neoplasia. Thus, it is necessary that they are properly trained. Objective – Evaluate the nursing professional’s knowledge concerning breast cancer. Methodology –This is a systematic literature review that has followed the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The survey of the articles has been made in the LILACS, PubMed and BDENF databases, oriented by the guiding question, what is the nursing professional’s level of knowledge concerning breast cancer? There were eight eligible articles. Results – From the eight articles read, it was possible to notice that many professionals are not trained, usually by lack of knowledge and training that are established by the Health Ministry so that the breast cancer care be of quality. Moreover, the environment, both physical and administrative, that these professionals work in does not help them, even hinders the execution of their practices, which worsens the care in the cancer area. Conclusion – The nursing professional’s knowledge concerning breast cancer is lower than expected, and in order for this picture to change, it is necessary an administrative and physical restructuring, and more training for the professionals.