Evaluation of breast cancer prevention behaviors among women aged 20-60 in Edirne city center

The aim of our study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors regarding breast cancer screening methods among women aged 20-60 who are registered at family health centers in the central district of Edirne, to raise awareness, increase knowledge levels and thereby enhance participation in breast cancer screenings. Our study is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. The sample consists of 404 women aged 20-60 who are registered at family health centers in the central district of Edirne. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 37 questions assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer, as well as the Scale of Factors Affecting Women's Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors. The average age of the women participating in our study was found to be 38.19±11.71 years. Of the women, 65.6% were married, 47% were university/college graduates, and 32.4% were housewives. Additionally, 46% of the women were overweight or obese. A total of 40.6% of the women reported knowing at least one person who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. While 74.5% of the women stated that they knew how to perform breast self-examination and 76.5% reported having performed it at least once, only 8.9% indicated that they performed it regularly on a monthly basis. A total of 44.1% had undergone clinical breast examination, but only 20.3% reported having it regularly once a year. Among women over the age of 40, 69% stated that they had undergone mammography. The average score women received from the scale was calculated as 121.3±18.6, which was evaluated positively. While the women's average motivation score was high, their average self-care score was found to be low. As age and education level increased, higher scores were obtained from the scale. Women who had a first-degree relative or a friend diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as those who had received breast cancer education and consistently engaged in screening behaviors, demonstrated more positive behaviors toward breast cancer prevention. In conclusion, it is essential to raise awareness about breast cancer among women and increase participation in screenings. To achieve this, physicians should provide information to women, educational programs encouraging participation should be conducted, and tracking systems should be established to ensure continuity.