Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behavior of Turkish Women about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination According to a Turkish Version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Although agreat deal of progress has been made in the health sciences, early diagnosis, and increasing community awareness,breast cancer remains a life-threatening illness. In order to reduce this threat, breast cancer screening needs tobe implemented in all communities where possible. <br/><b>Objective</b>: The purpose of this study was to examine healthbeliefs, attitudes and behaviors about breast cancer and breast self-examination of Turkish women. <br/><b>Methods</b>:Data were collected from a sample of 656 women, using an adapted Turkish version of Champion’s Health BeliefModel Scale (CHBMS), between January and May 2011, in Ordu province of Turkey. <br/><b>Results</b>: The results showedthat 67.7% of women had knowledge about and 55.8% performed BSE, however 60.6% of those who indicatedthey practiced BSE reported they did so at irregular intervals. CHBMS subscales scores of women accordingto women’s age, education level, occupation, family income and education level of the women’s mothers, familyhistory of breast cancer, friend and an acquaintance with breast cancer, knowledge about breast cancer, BSEand mammography were significantly different. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: Knowledge of women about the risks and benefitsof early detection of breast cancer positively affect their health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Health careprofessionals can develop effective breast health programs and can help women to gain good health behaviorand to maintain health.