Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors Among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The most commonly encountered type of cancer among women worldwide is breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer plays a major role in cancer treatment. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting breast cancer prevention behaviors among women working as the academic and administrative staff of a university. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 430 women. The data were collected via an online survey (Google Forms) between May 26, 2022, and July 18, 2022. The questionnaire included a form regarding the descriptive characteristics of individuals and a Scale of Factors Affecting Women’s Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors. Results: The women’s mean total Scale of Factors Affecting Women’s Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors score was 117.02±17.51. Considering that the minimum score that can be obtained on the scale was 33 and the maximum score was 165, it can be interpreted that the breast cancer prevention behaviors of women were above the moderate level. The factors affecting behaviors to prevent breast cancer were age, age at first birth, education level, alcohol consumption, body mass index, menopause, receiving a treatment containing estrogen hormone, radiotherapy to the chest area, having a cancer history, having a family history of breast cancer, receiving education on prevention of breast cancer, and performing breast self-examination. Conclusion: Although the breast cancer prevention behaviors of the women who participated in this study were above the moderate level, they were not sufficient. To develop positive behaviors to prevent breast cancer, health professionals should identify women’s information needs and provide training and counseling in line with these needs.