Determination of Knowledge and Behavior of Women Working at a Hospital on Breast Cancer Early Detection Methods, and Investigation of Efficiency of Planned Education

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitude of women working in the hospital on breast cancer, their behaviors related to early diagnostic methods, and to determine the effectiveness of training in order to increase awareness on breast cancer.

Materials and methods: The study group consisted of women working in the Dokuz Eylül University Hospital. The data of this cross-sectional study were collected by a questionnaire. Within the scope of this study, a training program on breast cancer was organized. The effectiveness of this training was evaluated by a preliminary survey and a final survey. Data were expressed as number and percentage, and paired t test and chi-square test were used for comparison.

Results: 161 women participated in the study with a mean age of 35 ± 8. It was determined that 81.4% of women knew early diagnosis and screening methods for breast cancer. 49.1% of women stated that they perform breast self-examination, but only 6.2% practiced it once a month. 32.9% of women had clinical breast examination, 22.4% had a breast ultrasound, and 22.3% had mammography. Most of the women did not perform any of these methods. The average knowledge level of women was significantly increased after completion of the planned training as compared to pre-training levels (p <0.001).

Conclusion: It was determined that the majority of women were informed on breast cancer early diagnosis and screening methods, but did not practice these methods on themselves. Information and awareness of women against breast cancer have increased with the use of planned training programs on breast cancer, early detection and screening methods.