Analysis of breast cancer awareness, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and participation in screening programs among women aged 20–69: An example from a family health center

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate breast cancer awareness, participation in screening programs, and the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics among women. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted with 410 women aged 20-69 years who presented to Istanbul Bagcilar Demirkapi Family Health Center. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a demographic information form and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 software, normality assessment was conducted with the Shapiro-Wilk test, and intergroup comparisons were made using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The mean age of participants was 41.39±11.20 years, with 82% being married. Health-promoting lifestyle behavior scores increased significantly with education level; university graduates had a median score of 132 compared to 116 for those who were illiterate (p<0.001). A marked decrease in HPLP scores was observed with advancing age, with the median score declining from 136 in the 20-29 age group to 114 in those over 50 years (p<0.001). Single women had significantly higher HPLP scores than married women (136 versus 124, p<0.001). Body mass index increase was associated with lower HPLP scores, with normal-weight individuals having a median score of 131 compared to 124 in obese individuals (p<0.001). Increasing number of children negatively affected HPLP scores, decreasing from a median of 136 in childless women to 116 in those with four or more children (p<0.001). The presence of comorbidity significantly reduced HPLP scores (126 versus 116, p<0.001). Women over 50 years had the highest rate of breast cancer history at 50% (p=0.017). All women with a history of breast cancer had undergone ultrasound and mammography screening (p<0.001). Conclusion: Education level, age, marital status, parity, and comorbidity status are fundamental determinants of women's healthy lifestyle behaviors. Women with advanced age, low education levels, and high parity are particularly at risk, highlighting the need for targeted health promotion interventions for these groups.