Attitudes of women about breast cancer and cervical cancer screening

Abstract

Aim:This research was conducted as a descriptive study with the aim of investigating their self breast examination, having mammography and Pap smear. Method: The Descriptive study was conducted in Samsun between March 2013 and Apri 2013 with a total of 373 women who aggreed for participation. Data were collected via a questionnaire form including questions about knowledge and practices about breast and cervical cancer. Descritive statistics and chi square test were used for data analysis. Results: Mean age of the participants was 33.2±6.8 years (min 2, max 54), 69,6% were married, 65,9% were graduates of licence programs, 69,1% were found to have moderate income. Education level was found to affect having mammography, graduates of university were found to have mammography more (x2= 20.036, p=0.000). The women who have mammography were found to have Pap smear more than the women who do not have mammography (OR = 4.45, 95% CI 2.21, 9.34). The difference is statistically significant (P<0.001). The women who had BSE were detected to have Pap smear 2 fold more (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.14, 3.01). Conclusion: This research revealed that the women had moderate knowlege about breast and cervical cancer screening and partcipation in screening is low. Beside, the women who had BSE and mammography had more PAP smear. © GATA.