Relationship of fear and fatalism with breast cancer screening among women using health belief model

Abstract

Despite the potential benefits of screening in discovering breast cancer, many women still do not follow recommended screening regimens. Fear of cancer detection and fatalistic beliefs were identified by previous studies as the main reasons given by women for noncompliance with breast cancer screening. The aim of this descriptive study is to explore relationship of fear and fatalism with breast cancer screening among a convenience sample of 136 women recruited during their visit to the Gynecology Clinic at the Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. The study tool consists of four parts: (1) Bio-sociodemographic information; (2) Champion Breast Cancer Fear Scale (CBCFS); (3) Powe Fatalism Inventory (PFI); (4) abridged version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). The findings revealed that only 3.7% and 14.7% of women practiced regular breast self-examination and had previously had mammography, respectively. Negative correlations were found between fatalism and health beliefs; and between fear and health belief. A positive correlation was found between fatalism and fear. The findings of this study add some experimental support for the relationships between fear, fatalism, and breast cancer screening behavior.