Nurcan Kırca1, Ayla Tuzcu2, Sebahat Gözüm2. 1. Department of Fundamental of Health Nursing, Akdeniz University School of Nursing, Antalya, Turkey. 2. Department of Community Health Nursing, Akdeniz University School of Nursing, Antalya, Turkey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: First-degree relatives of women with breast cancer are under higher risk when compared with the general population. The aim of this study is to evaluate breast cancer screening behaviors of women who are first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer and factors affecting these behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study included 240 patient relatives, who agreed to participate in the study through contact with first-degree relatives of 133 patients who were receiving breast cancer treatment at the Oncology and Chemotherapy unit of an university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Characteristics Form," which consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, health history, breast cancer risk level and health beliefs as well as the "Breast Cancer Screening Behavior Evaluation Form". RESULTS: Out of the subjects, 17% reported doing breast self examination (BSE), 18% reported getting clinic breast examination (CBE) and 17% reported getting mammography. Logistic regression analysis showed that perceived susceptibility increased BSE by 0.57 times and increased mammography by 0.77 times. Physical exercise increased CBE by 0.21 times and increased mammography by 0.13 times. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that women with familial breast cancer history (FBCH) had lower participation in screening behaviors. Higher susceptibility perception and regular physical exercise are the determinant variables. Women with a higher susceptibility can be led towards the screening and their participation can be increased. In women with family history, the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors like physical exercise should be supported.
OBJECTIVE: First-degree relatives of women with breast cancer are under higher risk when compared with the general population. The aim of this study is to evaluate breast cancer screening behaviors of women who are first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer and factors affecting these behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study included 240 patient relatives, who agreed to participate in the study through contact with first-degree relatives of 133 patients who were receiving breast cancer treatment at the Oncology and Chemotherapy unit of an university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Characteristics Form," which consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, health history, breast cancer risk level and health beliefs as well as the "Breast Cancer Screening Behavior Evaluation Form". RESULTS: Out of the subjects, 17% reported doing breast self examination (BSE), 18% reported getting clinic breast examination (CBE) and 17% reported getting mammography. Logistic regression analysis showed that perceived susceptibility increased BSE by 0.57 times and increased mammography by 0.77 times. Physical exercise increased CBE by 0.21 times and increased mammography by 0.13 times. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that women with familial breast cancer history (FBCH) had lower participation in screening behaviors. Higher susceptibility perception and regular physical exercise are the determinant variables. Women with a higher susceptibility can be led towards the screening and their participation can be increased. In women with family history, the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors like physical exercise should be supported.
Entities:
Keywords:
Breast cancer screenings; family history; health beliefs; susceptibility
Authors: Alecia Malin Fair; Patrick O Monahan; Kathleen Russell; Qianqian Zhao; Victoria L Champion Journal: Oncol Nurs Forum Date: 2012-01 Impact factor: 2.172