Predictors Affecting Breast Self-Examination Practice among Turkish Women

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among females in Turkey. Predictors affecting the breast self-examination (BSE) performance vary in developing countries. Objective: To determine the frequency of BSE performance and predictors of self-reported BSEs among women in the capital city of Turkey. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 376 Turkish women using a selfadministered questionnaire covering socio-demographic variables and BSE-related features. Results: Of the participants, 78.7% (N=296) reported practicing BSE, whereas 9.5% (N=28) were implementing BSE regularly on a monthly basis, and only 5.7% (N=17) were performing BSE regularly within a week after each menstrual cycle. Multivariate logistic regression modeling revealed that BSE performance was more likely in younger age groups [20-39 years] (p=0.018, OR=3.215) and [40-49 years] (p=0.009, OR=3.162), women having a family history of breast disease (p=0.038, OR=2.028), and housewives (p=0.013, OR=0.353). Conclusions: Although it appears that the rates of BSE performers are high, the number of women conducting appropriate BSE on a regular time interval basis is lower than expected. Younger age groups, family history of breast diseases and not being employed were identified as significant predictors of practicing BSE appropriately. Older age and employment were risk factors for not performing BSE in this sample.

Predictors affecting breast self‐examination practice among undergraduate female students in Klang Valley, Malaysia

“…We could attribute this finding to the combination of our sample, which included mostly single women. Similarly, Doganer's study in Turkey revealed that single women are more likely to practice BSE . Inconsistent with our study, a study from Iran, by Akhtari‐Zavare et al .…”

“…mentioned that sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents were not effective for determining BSE practice. In contrast, other studies conducted in different countries, such as Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, have reported that there was a statistically significant relation between BSE practice and family history of breast cancer, educational status, family income and race.…”

“…Many studies have attempted to determine the factors that affect women's BSE practice, as these factors are essential in planning effective intervention programs to improve BSE practice . The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of BSE practice and related factors of BSE practice among female undergraduate students in Klang Valley, Malaysia.…”

Breast Cancer Downstaging Practices and Breast Health Messaging Preferences Among a Community Sample of Urban and Rural Ugandan Women

“…Health care access factors in Uganda, such as where a woman receives her routine medical care and how medical care is usually paid for, are influenced by sociodemographic variables, including geographic region (rural v urban), education, and income. 14,31–33 Although prior breast cancer exposure (positive family history and breast cancer education) could influence downstaging practices, 34–37 this question had not been evaluated.…”

Case Report: Advanced Stage Breast Cancer Detected Late Due to Burn Scar

“…It is the second most frequent cause of cancer-deaths (18%) in women, following lung cancer (1). Each year, 10.000 women develop breast cancer in Turkey (2).…”