Objectives:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in most countries worldwide and the second cause of death of women. It is therefore important that the public have adequate knowledge of behaviours that reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, as well as measures that have an impact on increasing the chance of recovery in the event of illness.

Objective:
The aim of the study is to assess the level of knowledge of men and women from Lublin province on activities that affect the incidence of breast cancer.

Material and methods:
The research was carried out by means of a diagnostic survey between November 2011 – February 2012 in the Lublin province. The study involved 255 residents of Lublin and the surrounding area. Analysis was based on the research material consisting of the answers obtained by means of a diagnostic survey. The author›s questionnaire concerning breast cancer was used as the research technique. The information collected as a result of the research was subjected to statistical computer analysis using electronic calculation techniques.

Results:
Knowledge of the causes of breast cancer made a significant contribution to reducing the possibility of cancer through lifestyle changes. However, the study show that knowledge of the inhabitants of the Lublin province needs further improvement to be able to satisfactorily eliminate the occurrence of cancer.

Conclusions:
In its broad sense, the knowledge of the inhabitants of Lublin and surrounding area on breast cancer is quite good; nevertheless, emphasis should continue to be placed on the dissemination of information on risk factors for its development and prevention preventive. Another important element is the detection of cancer, which is associated with a constant need to strengthen the habit of breast self-examination among women.