ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the information and practices related to breast cancer screening performed in women who presented to the mammography unit of a university hospital in Istanbul.

A questionnaire was prepared using the literature. It was performed with a face-to-face interview method in the patients who were referred to the mammography (MG) unit of our hospital. It consisted of questions about sociodemographic characteristics, breast selfexamination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and information about MG and performing these methods.

In 260 women with a mean age of 52.5 (36-81) years; while the rate of BSE was 69.2%, the rate of CBE was 77.7% and the rate of MG was 78.5%, these were higher than the literature. The mean level of knowledge of patients about breast cancer was 6.2/10 (62%) and it was higher than the literature. Breast cancer risk factors knowledge level scores were significantly higher in patients who underwent MG procedure and BSE (p=0.031; p=0.001; p<0.05). Contrary to the literature, no significant effect of income and education level on the rates of BSE, CBE, undergoing MG procedure was determined. There was a statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge of the patients according to the family history of breast cancer (p=0.004; p<0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the rates of MG, CBE, and BSE in those (p>0.05).

The knowledge and practices about breast cancer screening are good in the women who presented to our hospital. However, in women who have a positive family history, although there is a high level of knowledge, it has been determined that there is no increase in participation in screening. In addition to the entire female population, this susceptible group needs health workers’ support.

Keywords: breast cancer, screening, breast examination, mammography