Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of women regarding breast and cervical cancer in Malatya, Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to gather information about the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of women regarding breast and cervical cancer, to increase the knowledge level of the relevant age group and to begin including the relevant age group in screening programs. This cross-sectional study is composed of 6910 women aged 30–69 years in Malatya, Turkey. The study aimed to reach 1782 women with a survey, and all of them were reached. The questionnaire form was completed with face-to-face interview. For statistical analysis, data were evaluated as number and percentage distributions. The average age of the women was 45.6±11.4. Nearly half of the women (46.4%) did not know that scans for early detection of breast and cervical cancers were free. Only 22.2% of women knew that breast cancer could be diagnosed early by mammography. 72.7% had never received a mammogram. One third (31.6%) of women did not know it was possible to recognize cervical cancer early, and two thirds (64.5%) of women had not received a Pap smear test. It has been determined that Turkish women do not have adequate knowledge about cancer diagnosis, early cancer diagnosis, and screening.

Awareness of cervical and breast cancer among women attending OBG out-patient department of a medical college hospital, Bangalore

“…12 Also, in another community based study in Turkey only 22.2% women were aware of mammography. 13 The common symptoms known to the study subjects were breast lump and nipple discharge which was similar to a hospital based study done in Nepal. About 16% were aware of breast self examination (BSE) whereas in a study done in Nigeria on rural women more than 1/3 rd subjects were aware of BSE.…”

“…14 Another study among university students in Turkey observed that nearly 2/3 rd study subjects were aware of BSE, however, a similar community based study in Turkey found that the awareness regarding BSE to below (25.3%). 13,15 CONCLUSION Although most of the study subjects had reasonably good knowledge regarding the symptoms and risk factors of cervical and breast cancer, the knowledge regarding early detection of these cancers was poor. Hence, it is necessary to improve the awareness by conducting regular health education sessions in the hospitals as well as in the community so that these cancers could be detected and treated at an early stage.…”

Una reflexión sobre la relevancia de las actitudes hacia el cáncer

“…Por consiguiente, es comprensible que el cáncer haya sido, entre otros, objeto de estigma (5), prejuicio (6), discriminación (7) y diversidad de actitudes (8).…”

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Turkish Women on Breast and Cervical Cancer in Karabük Province, Turkey

“…Women aged 40 to 69 suggested performing BSE every month, CBE every year, and mammography every two years. 7 The WHO reported 570,000 new cervical cancer case s in 2018; the fourth was the most common female cancer worldwide. Cervical cancer caused 311 thousand deaths that year, 7.5% of all female cancer deaths.…”

“…11 In Turkey, HPV-DNA and cervical smear tests are recommended every five years for women aged 30 to 65 in cervical cancer screening programs. 7 Routine screening tests have shown early detection of breast and cervical cancer in women and a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality resulting, with 90% of breast cancers reported by women themselves. 12,13 However, there are also studies in the literature that suggest that women need more cancer information.…”