Health Beliefs and Breast Self-Examination among Female University Nursing Students in Turkey

Abstract

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 15 (16), 6525-6529 IntroductionBreast cancer is currently the most prevalent cancer among women in both the developed and developing countries (WHO, 2014). In 2012, 1.7 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. There were also 6.3 million breast cancer survivors who had been diagnosed with the disease in the previous five years. Breast cancer is also the most common cause of cancer death among women (522,000 deaths in 2012) and the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in 140 of 184 countries worldwide. Since 2008, the breast cancer incidence has risen by more than 20%, while mortality has increased by 14% (GLOBOCAN, 2012). Breast cancer is also the most common cancer among Turkish women, and their BC incidence is 40,6 per 100.000 (Ministry of Health, 2009).Raising general public awareness on the prevalence of breast cancer and the mechanisms to fight it, and advocating for appropriate policies and programs, are key strategies of population-based breast cancer control (WHO, 2014). Early detection to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control (Anderson et al., 2008). Breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination, and mammography are used as screening methods in the early detection of breast cancer, and currently BSE is recommended for women beginning AbstractBackground: The aim of this study was to determine the health beliefs and knowledge about breast self examination (BSE) and the actual BSE habits of female university nursing students. Materials and Methods: The study sample recruited 189 nursing students who agreed to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, one way ANOVA test, t test and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: 83.1% of nursing students had knowledge about breast cancer (BC) and BSE in the study. BSE was practiced by 70.4% of nursing students; 21.8% of them performed BSE regularly. A fear of developing BC was an incentive for 85% of nursing students to practice BSE. The confidence subscale scores in the third and fourth years of students' university education were higher, and the barrier subscale score in these same years was lower than their first years of study. Perception of benefit of nursing students experiencing breast-related discomfort exerted a positive effect. Nursing students with lower perception of barriesr performed BSE regularly. In conclusion, nursing students' years of university study, breast cancer knowledge, history of breast cancer in family, and BSE practice status were factors affecting their health beliefs. Conclusions: These study results indicate the importance of developing education and training programs which educate not only nursing students but all women about breast cancer, its symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis and of regular BSE.

Breast Cancer Awareness among Turkish Nursing Students

“…In this study we think that the fact that the majority of the nursing students have performed BSE result from various factors such as they know how to do it, fear of having a cancerous mass, there are relatives who suffer breast cancer, they are conscious of the BSE benefits and aware of the effectiveness of BSE. The results of the studies that have been conducted in Turkey in the previous years show that the rate of women who have performed BSE is quite low (Findik and Turan, 2004;Gocgeldi et al, 2008;Ozgun et al, 2009;Erbil and Bolukbas, 2014;. Similar to the finding of this study, Alsaif (2004) has reported that the majority of nursing students had performed BSE.…”

“…For early detection of breast cancer; breast self examination every month after age 20, an annual mammogram after age 40, and 20-30's age 1-3 years in a clinical breast exam every year after the age of 40 is recommended by the American Cancer Society (Kara and Acikel, 2009;Erbil and Bolukbas, 2014;Khazee-Pool et al, 2014). However according to the various research studies the efforts directed at letting women develop a favorable attitude towards the early diagnosis of breast cancer have not been very adequate.…”

Assessment of the Effects of Breast Cancer Training on Women Between the Ages of 50 and 70 in Kemalpasa, Turkey

“…Educational programs have an important role to promote breast cancer screening behaviors and the health of women (Erbil and Bolukbas 2014). Stages of Change and Health Belief Models are the two most common models that have been applied for mammographic screening behaviors (Glanz et al, 2008;Hayden, 2009).…”

Development of a Family Nursing Model for Prevention of Cancer and Other Noncommunicable Diseases through an Appreciative Inquiry

“…In addition, cancer is an important cause of illness and mortality in Thailand and around the world (Duangsong et al, 2013;WHO, 2010). Prevention, caring, and recovery efforts depend on various family-and community-based interventions, theories and for these to be successful a participatory approach is necessary (Ahmadian and Samah, 2013;Al-Azri et al, 2014;Danawala et al, 2014;Erbil and Bolukbas, 2014;Jo et al, 2014;Lin et al, 2014;Sano et al, 2014;Sercekus et al, 2014;Simayi et al, 2013). However, realizing nursing and health caring that emphasizes family as a key focus of care within the family and community context can be a significant challenge for healthcare educators, practitioners RESEARCH ARTICLE…”