Abstract
BackgroundBreast cancer-preventive behaviors are critical for community and women’s health. Although many studies have addressed women’s knowledge and attitudes toward breast cancer, little information is available about their experiences of breast cancer preventive behaviors. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian women regarding preventive behaviors.MethodsThis was a qualitative study. A sample of Iranian women aged 30 years and over was selected purposefully. Data collected through focus group and semi-structured audiotaped interviews and were analyzed by conventional content analysis.ResultsThe following five main themes emerged from the analysis: attitude toward breast cancer and preventive behaviors, stress management, healthy lifestyle, perceived social support and individual/environmental barriers. The findings showed that women were highly motivated to preventive behaviors of breast cancer but faced considerable challenges.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that increased awareness, positive attitudes, stronger motivational factors, and fewer barriers toward preventive behaviors are most important parameters that might encourage women to practice breast cancer-preventive behaviors.
Highlights
IntroductionMany studies have addressed women’s knowledge and attitudes toward breast cancer, little information is available about their experiences of breast cancer preventive behaviors
Breast cancer-preventive behaviors are critical for community and women’s health
Studies from Iran suggest that breast cancer affects Iranian women at least one decade younger than women in developed countries, with the mean age ranging from 47.1 to 48.8 years [2]
Summary
Many studies have addressed women’s knowledge and attitudes toward breast cancer, little information is available about their experiences of breast cancer preventive behaviors. In Iran, breast cancer is amongst the five most common cancers and ranks first among cancers diagnosed in women. Previous studies demonstrated that lifestyle interventions such as changing dietary habits [12,13], performing adequate physical activity [14,15,16,17,18], quiet smoking and reducing alcohol drinking [19,20] may prevent breast cancer and decrease the risk. Magné et al stated that there are positive relationship between breast cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle since for instance physical activity can prevent excessive weight gain and reduce risk of breast cancer [21]
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