Graduating Medical Students’ Views on Breast Cancer in Guinea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Future doctors who are key players in prevention and health education must be adequately trained in this pathology. This study aimed to assess the views of final-year medical students in Guinea about breast cancer. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a referral university hospital using a self-administered questionnaire containing items on students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. Results: Among the 400 students included, 82.7% had poor knowledge, and 75.0% supported promoting breast self-examination. Knowledge varied significantly by study level (p < 0.001): 75.8% of sixth-year students had poor knowledge, compared with 90.5% of seventh-year students. Finally, 8.0% believed it was the result of a curse, 4.0% directly associated it with death, and 1.0% considered it divine punishment. Conclusion: Graduating medical students in Guinea lack essential knowledge about breast cancer. These findings emphasize the need to improve breast cancer education during medical training in Guinea.