Abstract:
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Although a
great deal of progress has been made in the health sciences, early diagnosis, and increasing community awareness,
breast cancer remains a life-threatening illness. In order to reduce this threat, breast cancer screening needs to
be implemented in all communities where possible. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine health
beliefs, attitudes and behaviors about breast cancer and breast self-examination of Turkish women. Methods:
Data were collected from a sample of 656 women, using an adapted Turkish version of Champion’s Health Belief
Model Scale (CHBMS), between January and May 2011, in Ordu province of Turkey. Results: The results showed
that 67.7% of women had knowledge about and 55.8% performed BSE, however 60.6% of those who indicated
they practiced BSE reported they did so at irregular intervals. CHBMS subscales scores of women according
to women’s age, education level, occupation, family income and education level of the women’s mothers, family
history of breast cancer, friend and an acquaintance with breast cancer, knowledge about breast cancer, BSE
and mammography were significantly different. Conclusion: Knowledge of women about the risks and benefits
of early detection of breast cancer positively affect their health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Health care
professionals can develop effective breast health programs and can help women to gain good health behavior
and to maintain health
