Individual and Family-Related Factors Affecting Breast Self-Examination

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women. However, the vital role of breast self-examination (BSE) in maintaining health is still now well understood among women. We aimed to assess women's knowledge regarding the theoretical and practical aspects of breast cancer and BSE, and to observe individual and family-related risk factors, information transmission, and the utilization of cancer prevention programs.

METHODS: Our cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in 2023 and involved women aged 25-35 (n=166) through a convenience sampling method. Data collection was carried out with a self-administered questionnaire and a standard body evaluation scale on an online platform. Relationships between variables were determined using χ² tests, correlation analysis, and ANOVA (p<0.05) with SPSS 26.0.

RESULTS: Of the respondents, 92.7% were familiar with BSE, but only 22.29% performed it monthly. Most women did not have negative perceptions of their own physical attributes, and this factor did not hinder them from performing BSE (p<0.05). Respondents who performed BSE responsibly had collective knowledge about breast cancer and its prevention (p<0.05). Family communication about BSE resulted in proper execution of the practice (p<0.05). The increase in the number of risk factors for breast cancer did not encourage women to perform BSE (p>0.05). Participation in programs aimed at cancer prevention led to regular BSE among women (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Family and societal programmes on breast cancer prevention and the vital execution of BSE are of pivotal importance. In the future, primary prevention activities, especially among those who have less knowledge in this area and typically stay away from community health development programs should be strengthened more.