Attitude Examination Related to Breast Cancer Among Women in Bács-Kiskun County, Hungary

Abstract

Abstract Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and a leading cause of mortality among women both in developed and developing countries all over the world. Our research questions were the following: 1. What is the ratio of women participating in mammography screening? 2. What factors influence the attendance of the screening? A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study (2013) examined women aged 35-65 without a history of breast cancer from Kecskemét City and its region. Non-random, convenience sampling method was applied in the study. The self-edited and self-administered questionnaire included the following groups of questions: socio-demographic data, attitude examination related to screening, reasons for absence. Besides SPSS Statistics, 20.00 test, x2 test, t-test, and ANOVA were used (p<0.05). During the Principal Component Analysis, 23 variables of the motivational scale were grouped into six theoretical subgroups, and the Cronbach-alpha value was 0.758. The mean age of the participants was 49.96±8.91 years.71% of the interviewees never attended breast cancer screening. Regarding the sample, the mean age of women participating in the screening for the first time was 39.66±12.21 years. Women with college/university degree attained high scores on the knowledge test (p<0.05). A significant part of women went to the screening because they feel responsibility for their health status or due to the family history of breast cancer. Fear, shame, or inconveniencies during examination did not affect participation in screening. Prevention programs play a significant role in the improvement of the health status of the Hungarian population. Mortality and morbidity indicators can be reduced by regularly organized, preventive activities based on appropriate knowledge. Thus, the number of healthy years can be increased.