Distribution of cervical and breast cancer risk factors in women and their screening behaviours

Abstract

Breast cancer and cervical cancer are important causes of cancer‐related mortality in women all over the world. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the distribution of cervical and breast cancer risk factors in women and their knowledge and behaviours about cancer screening methods. The study is cross‐sectional in nature. It was conducted with the participation of 1,886 women in Turkey. Data were collected through a questionnaire. The knowledge and behaviours of women aged 40 and over about breast cancer or cervical cancer screening methods were investigated according to the education level; results showed that the rates of those who knew and did breast self‐examination were significantly lower in illiterate women. Besides, the rates of women who did breast self‐examination were significantly lower in those who were aged 40 and over, and the rates of those who had clinical breast examination and Pap smear test were significantly lower in women aged 39 and below (p < 0.01). This study identified the most notable breast and cervical cancer risk factors as low education levels, high number of deliveries, short breastfeeding period, obesity and low socio‐economic level. For this reason, public health policies should be developed to minimise these risk factors.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer in PKK Women's Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Member in Salatiga Indonesia

“…By referring to the risk factors possessed by FGD members, it is necessary to carry out interventions to change their lifestyle, especially for modifiable risk factors. Each Kelurahan has different risk factors, so the intervention is adjusted to the risk factors possessed by each member of the FGD [7]. This process requires consistency and commitment from each FGD member.…”

“…These risk factors cannot be avoided and changed because it is a life process that has passed and becomespart of their history. In different studies on breast cancer and cervical cancer found that the most notable breast and cervical cancer risk factors as low education levels, high number of deliveries, short breastfeeding period, obesity and low socio-economic level [7].…”

“…Whereas, the modifiable risk factors are rare consumption of vegetables and fruits, high fat consumption, minimum physical exercise, radiation exposure, obesity, and self-breast examination (SBE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) [3,7].…”

Kirsal Bölgede Yaşayan Kadinlarin Servi̇ks Ve Meme Kanseri̇ Taramalarina Katilim Ve Bi̇lgi̇ Durumlari

“…Literatürde meme ve serviks kanser taramalarına katılım durumunu düşük eğitim düzeyinin, yüksek doğum sayısının, düşük sosyoekonomik seviyenin, korku ve utanmanın olumsuz etkilediği bulunmuştur (15)(16)(17). Kırsal bölgede yaşayanların meme ve serviks kanseri taramalarına katılımının kentsel bölgeye göre daha düşük olduğu bulunmakla birlikte sağlığın sosyal belirleyicilerinin burada da etkili olduğu görülmektedir (18).…”

When cancer is diagnosed as an emergency

“…Determinants of screening can be culturally specific; previous work from Turkey, for example, has shown poor uptake of screening behaviours and knowledge of benefits, even in health workers (Erdem & Toktaş, ). A further study from Turkey, in this issue, Karadag Arli, Bakan, and Aslan () examined rates of breast self‐examination and found a close correlation with health literacy; this adds to a growing body of evidence compelling us to focus awareness‐raising effort about breast and cervical screening on low health literacy groups.…”