Introduction. Breast cancer is one of the major health problems throughout the world as confirmed by epidemiological data showing a continuous increase in morbidity and mortality. Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of selected socio-demographic attitudes of women towards the breast self-examination. Material and methods. The work applied a method of a diagnostic survey. As a research tool the authors used their own survey questionnaire. It included 34 questions – the analysis of replies to those questions allowed to determine the level of wo- men’s knowledge and attitudes towards breast self-examination. The survey was conducted among 302 women living in the Lublin province in the period from November 2013 to April 2014. Results. In the study group, the majority (74.8%) can perform the breast self-examination, but only 34.8% of respondents perform it regularly once a month, and 28.8% did not carry out such an examination at all. According to 56.3% of respondents, the regular self-examination should begin at the age of 20. In the study group, 47.3% can indicate the correct time of conducting the examination in relation to the menstrual cycle. Conclusions. Knowledge of respondents on the best age to start a regular breast self-examination is on a medium level. Most respondents can perform the breast self-examination, however, the much smaller number of respondents regularly performs testing once a month.

Key words: breast cancer, prevention, breast self-examination.