Breast Cancer Awareness Scale: Turkish Validity and Reliability Study Among Adult Women

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale (BCAS-TR) for assessing breast cancer awareness among Turkish women.

The data of this methodological study were collected by face-to-face interview technique from 352 women over 18 years of age at a family health centre in Ankara, Türkiye. The BCAS-TR, adapted from the original 35-item scale, assessed knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to breast cancer. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), content validity, convergent and discriminant validity, concurrent validity and reliability analysis were performed. Champion's Health Belief Model Scale was used for concurrent validity.

CFA supported the five-factor structure of the original scale. All fit indices met the recommended criteria. The values of AVE of all factors ranged between 0.579 and 0.853. AVE values (> 0.5) and discriminant validity analysis supported convergent and discriminant validity. Significant positive correlations with the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale demonstrated concurrent validity. The Cronbach α of the total scale is 0.907 (subscales ranged between 0.752 and 0.907). The composite reliability values of the subscales ranged between 0.770 and 0.949.

The BCAS-TR is a valid and reliable tool for assessing breast cancer awareness in Turkish women. This scale can be used by researchers and healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions and improve early detection and prevention of breast cancer in Türkiye.