LA PREVENZIONE DEL TUMORE AL SENO: UNO STUDIO PRELIMINARE SU UN CAMPIONE DI DONNE ITALIANE

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer represents the most frequent neoplastic form among women in Italy and in many Western Countries, both in terms of new diagnoses and the number of oncological deaths. It is estimated that in 2018, about 52,800 new cases of female breast cancer were diagnosed in Italy. Objective: This study aims to investigate on breast cancer prevention, in a sample of Italian women. Materials and Methods: The random sample is composed of 100 women to whom the questionnaire was delivered, anonymous and self-compiled, after explaining the particular purpose of the questions and the general purpose of the study ensuring anonymity in the use of the data. The questionnaire, “Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale”, consists of 31 items of which: 3 for susceptibility, 6 for severity, 4 for perceived benefits, 8 for perceived barriers, and 10 for self-efficacy. Results: From the present study it emerged that less than half (46%) of women practice self-examination occasionally or monthly. Although a significant percentage of women reported high levels of perception of cancer severity, most of them reported uncertain levels of susceptibility. It also emerged that the causes that lead the woman not to perform self-examination are related to the inability to examine her own breasts, or the sense of inadequacy. Conclusions: From the analyzed data emerges the need to introduce educational programs to increase confidence and identify the obstacles that prevent Italian women from performing self-examination, carrying out a prior assessment of women’s knowledge about it and modifying any incorrect ideas.