Introduction. The upward trend in the incidence of breast cancer in Poland has affected the development of oncoplastic surgery. This is especially important for patients after a radical mastectomy. Breast reconstruction methods are permanently corrected and improved. Therefore, current and future medical staff should have knowledge about breast restorative procedures. Aim. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the levels of knowledge of nursing and obstetrics students of the Medical University of Warsaw about mastectomy and selected methods of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Material and methods. The study included a convenience sample of nursing (n = 106) and obstetrics (n = 102) students of 1st and 2nd-degree studies at the Medical University of Warsaw. The author's questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge. Results. The knowledge of nursing and midwifery students on selected methods of breast reconstruction in patients after a mastectomy is at the same level. Regardless of the chosen field of study, students present a higher level of knowledge about mastectomy than breast reconstruction. Conclusions. The knowledge of students of both faculties about breast reconstruction is at a low level. There is a need to supplement a subject knowledge during the pre-diploma and post-diploma education.

Key words: breast, mastectomy, mammoplasty, students, knowledge.