[determining breast cancer screening program participation according to the precaution adoption process of women 40-69 age living in the silivri region

Breast cancer remains a significant global public health issue, posing a serious threat to women's health and quality of life. Early diagnosis plays a critical role in improving survival rates and overall well-being. In this context, participation in screening programs facilitates early detection and has a direct impact on treatment success and health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the participation of women aged 40–69 residing in the Silivri district of Istanbul in breast cancer screening programs within the framework of the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Conducted as a cross-sectional study, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 385 women and analyzed based on their demographic characteristics, screening behaviors, and health beliefs. Findings revealed that only 15.1% of participants regularly performed breast self-examinations, 50.6% had undergone mammography, and 18.4% had never received any information regarding breast cancer. Although most women perceived screening behaviors as beneficial, they faced various individual and environmental barriers in maintaining these behaviors. According to the PAPM, only 20% of participants were at the final stage (Stage 7), consistently engaging in preventive behavior. In the context of the HBM, the subdimensions of "self-efficacy" and "health motivation" emerged as significant predictors of behavioral engagement. In conclusion, the transformation of knowledge into behavior among women is hindered by both structural and psychosocial barriers. Individual health beliefs, self-efficacy perceptions, and levels of motivation play a critical role in shaping preventive health behaviors. The findings underscore the necessity of restructuring public health strategies and implementing multidimensional, person-centered interventions to enhance participation in breast cancer screening programs.