Predictors affecting breast self-examination practice among Turkish women

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women in Turkey.
• Factors influencing breast self-examination (BSE) practices differ in developing nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the frequency of breast self-examination (BSE) performance among women in Turkey's capital.
• To identify predictors associated with self-reported BSE practices in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 376 Turkish women.
• Data collected via self-administered questionnaires on socio-demographic and BSE-related factors.

Main Results:

• 78.7% of participants reported practicing BSE.
• Regular monthly BSE was reported by 9.5%, and weekly BSE by 5.7%.
• Younger age groups (20-39, 40-49), family history of breast disease, and being a housewife were associated with higher BSE performance.

Conclusions:

• While BSE practice rates appear high, consistent and timely performance is less common than anticipated.
• Younger age, family history of breast disease, and unemployment are linked to appropriate BSE practice.
• Older age and employment emerged as risk factors for inadequate BSE performance in the studied sample.