RÉSUMÉ
Breast cancer represents among females, the most important cancer sites in term of incidence and mortality. The objective of this study was to assess women attending to the Gynecology Clinic, Breast Clinic and Mammogram Unit for risk factors of breast cancer for early detection, and counseling. A guideline booklet about preventive measures of breast cancer was developed to evaluate its effect on women's behavior. The research questions were: [1] what are the most common risk factors among the Egyptian women? [2] what is the effect of the health guideline booklet on women's behavior? The total sample was 470 Egyptian women selected randomly from those who, attended the clinics from 15 September 2003 to 15 February 2004. The women with risk factors of breast cancer were 210 only. They were provided with a health guideline booklet. Their mean age was 35.5 +/- 17.1. Most risk factors appeared among the high risk group of women using hormonal contraceptives for more than 10 years [48.7%]. The study recommended wide guidelines for improving women's behaviors towards the preventive measures and early detection of breast cancer through the proper management. Continued efforts are needed to increase the availability of high quality mammography and treatment to all segments of the population. This study concluded that the Egyptian women had a positive readiness to change their behavior through more awareness about risk factors and preventive measures of breast cancer