BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to determine behaviors of women over 40 years toward methods of breast cancer early detection in a rural region of Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Of the 1277 women aged over 40 years, 910 (71.3%) participated in the study. RESULTS: Not performing breast self-examination was 3.1 times more frequent in those aged 60 years and older (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.2), 2.1 times more frequent in those who could only read and write (95% CI, 1.5-2.9), and 2.5 times more frequent in housewives (95% CI, 1.5-4.3). The likelihood of clinical breast exam was 1.8 times less in women aged 60 years old and older compared with younger women. Primary school graduates had a 1.9 times (95% CI, 1.3-2.9) greater chance of not having had a mammography compared with those that been at least primary school graduates. CONCLUSIONS: For women to change their behavior and adopt early methods of diagnosing breast cancer, it is necessary to reach priority target groups during the training provided by primary care institutions.
BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to determine behaviors of women over 40 years toward methods of breast cancer early detection in a rural region of Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Of the 1277 women aged over 40 years, 910 (71.3%) participated in the study. RESULTS: Not performing breast self-examination was 3.1 times more frequent in those aged 60 years and older (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.2), 2.1 times more frequent in those who could only read and write (95% CI, 1.5-2.9), and 2.5 times more frequent in housewives (95% CI, 1.5-4.3). The likelihood of clinical breast exam was 1.8 times less in women aged 60 years old and older compared with younger women. Primary school graduates had a 1.9 times (95% CI, 1.3-2.9) greater chance of not having had a mammography compared with those that been at least primary school graduates. CONCLUSIONS: For women to change their behavior and adopt early methods of diagnosing breast cancer, it is necessary to reach priority target groups during the training provided by primary care institutions.