Knowledge of women on early diagnosis methods and risk factors for breast cancer in a province of Western Turkey: a descriptive study

ABSTRACT

To determine the knowledge of women on early diagnosis methods and risk factors for breast cancer [BC]. This descriptive study was conducted on all the women attending to the Eskisehir Municipality Women's Counseling and Solidarity Center in a province of western Turkey for any reasons between April 1, 2008 and April 1, 2010. The evaluation of knowledge was scored by a questionnaire formed using literature. The statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square [x[2]], and student t test. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The average age of the participants was 47.21 +/- 10.46 years. The proportion of those with enough knowledge about BC was 48.7%. In younger ages, in those with higher education levels, in those living in nuclear family type, in those with higher family income level, in those smoking cigarette, in those receiving knowledge previously about BC, in those having positive family history and in those with a benign or malignant breast disease diagnosed previously, the knowledge about BC were higher [p<0.001, per one]. According to the results of this study, breast self-examination, a simple and economical diagnostic tool which protects women's privacy, should be performed regularly and properly by women themselves