The Effect of Breast Cancer Fear on Early Detection Behaviors of Women

Background: Early detection is the most effective method to re duce morbidity and mortality in breast cancer as in other types of cancers. Aims: This research aimed to analyze the effect of breast cancer fear on early detection behaviors of women. Methods: This descriptive research was conducted on 380 wome n ag d 20 and older during the years 2013 and 2014. Data has been collected using the Socio-Demog raphic Characteristics Information Form, the Breast Cancer Fear Scale and the Assessment Form for Early Detect ion Behaviors of Breast Cancer. Results: While 16.8% of participants perform regular breast self-examination, rates of women who have clinical breast examination and mammography are respectively 13.9% and 22.8%. Furthermore, 82.6% of the partici pants have serious breast cancer fear and a statistically significant difference has been found between the breast cancer fear and women’s early detection behaviors (Breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography). Conclusion: In view of the research results, it is suggested that the brea st cancer fear and its effect on women’s behaviors must be defined first in order to develop early detection behaviors for breast cancer among women.