Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Moreover, there is an increasing trend of incidence of breast cancer among younger women aged 20-49 years old. Despite this trend, limited research has explored perceptions and awareness of breast cancer among university students. Existing studies have predominantly focused only on female medical students or have been restricted to specific regions, leaving a gap in research concerning non-medical students and diverse geographical locations in Europe and North America. This study aims to address these gaps by examining perceptions of breast cancer among a diverse population of university students.  Objectives: 1) To assess the current beliefs and knowledge about BC and BC screening among university students 2)To identify if there are differences in BC knowledge and perceptions in terms of gender, field of study, and age (<30 vs >=30.) Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, led by medical students, was conducted in Spring 2025 using an online survey distributed through student services at three universities in Cyprus. The survey collected information on demographics, family history of breast cancer, knowledge of breast cancer and screening, and perceived motivations and barriers to screening. The instrument was reviewed by experts and pilot-tested among university students. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and levels of breast cancer knowledge and screening awareness, and motivations to get screening mammogram, while bivariate analyses (Fisher’s exact test) examined associations between knowledge and gender, age, and field of study. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Bioethics Committee of Cyprus. In this study we present some descriptive results, and pre-specified bivariate analysis on variables related to screening mammography. Results:  The sample consisted of 175 University students: 88% female; mean age=24.97 (SD=6.54); 58% pursuing a bachelor’s degree; 32% studying in the Health Sciences; 58% were from Cyprus; and 12% with a family history of breast cancer. In terms of knowledge, 40% correctly stated that BC is the 2nd most common cancer worldwide for both genders, 30% correctly stated that about 1 in 8 women would develop BC at some point of their lives, and 29% correctly stated that the best time to start screening mammography is after 40 years’ old. In  terms of motivations among the 136 female students who responded the related questions, key motivational factors included the recommendation by a trusted physician (93%), and invitation through a national screening program (73%). However, only 33% (n=44) agreed that social media/groups could be an influential factor. There was also a statistically significant association of the field of study and the intended use of 3D screening mammography for women with dense breast tissue, with more students from the Health Sciences field answering this correctly (Fisher’s exact test: p=0.036). Conclusions/Implications for practice:  In line with the European Code against Cancer, this study suggests that the breast cancer screening knowledge among university students is suboptimal. This highlights the need for tailored awareness initiatives during the college years to encourage informed participation in organized BC screening programs, particularly as incidence rates among younger women rise.