RESUMEN
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the major threat to females health in Iraq which can be easily prevented through Breast self-examination (BSE). This study aims to find out the level of awareness and practice of BSE among women and investigates the relation of socio-demographic factors, other comorbid conditions, knowledge, and belief with the BSE practices. This cross-sectional study conducted on 750 women using predesigned questionnaires and two scales, Breast cancer awareness measure (BCAM) and Champion health belief model (CHBM). The findings indicate that 75.2% of women were aware regarding BSE and 49.7% knew that BSE should be done monthly. 31.7% of participants never practiced BSE, 51.8% and 18.0% of participants practiced BSE rarely and regularly respectively. Education, employment status, family history, past breast disorders, knowledge, lactation status, perceived seriousness, health motivation, confidence, perceived benefits and barriers for BSE were significantly associated with the regular practice of BSE. Increase in women’s health motivation and sensitization of women about the benefits of BSE is suggested to increase the adoption and practice of BSE.