Introduction:
In 2008 in Poland, breast cancer was the second cause of mortality among women, and the first among cases of cancer. Such unfavourable results are due to the late diagnosis of breast cancer, and still low percentage of Polish women participating in the population-based screening tests. Up-to-date knowledge concerning prophylaxis is of great importance in the prevention of breast cancer leading to the reduction in morbidity and mortality and, therefore, preventing unfavourable phenomena in the area of health.

Objective:
Evaluation of the level of nurses’ knowledge concerning risk factors and prophylaxis of breast cancer.

Material and Methods:
The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey in a group of 184 nurses from the Regions of Lublin and Rzeszów, during the period 2009–2010, using a questionnaire designed by the author. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using χ2 Pearson test.

Results:
The nurses indicated the following main risk factors of breast cancer: family history of breast cancer and other cancerous diseases, use of hormonal drugs, exposure to ionizing radiation, tobacco smoking, as well as the effect of the environment. In respondents’ opinions, the Pink Ribbon Campaign was the most popular prophylactic programme, and the Internet was indicated as the source of knowledge of the principles of cancer prevention.

Conclusions:
The level of nurses’ knowledge concerning prophylaxis of breast cancer should be higher. Clear differences observed in their knowledge of prophylactic programmes and sources of knowledge concerning breast cancer prevention in both regions do not exert any effect on the level of knowledge in this area.