Effect of Education on Breast Cancer Fear and Health Beliefs

Before beginning the research, women were informed about the aim, duration, and procedures during the research and they were included in the research after written consent was obtained from women accepting participation. Then pre-test data were collected. The collection of data in the research began on 16 October 2017.

In the first stage of the research, pre-test data were collected using the questionnaire form, Champion Health Belief Model Scale, Champion Breast Cancer Fear Scale, and face-to-face interview method, and women were asked to fill out the forms themselves. After the pre-test data were collected, the women were divided into experimental and control groups using a single-blind randomized method.

In the second stage of the research, women in the experimental group were given education about breast cancer and BSE. Slide presentations used during training provided information about breast anatomy and physiology, breast cancer symptoms and risk factors, early diagnosis methods for breast cancer and breast cancer screening programs, and barriers to breast cancer screening programs were discussed. In addition to slide presentations about breast cancer and BSE, women were also given BSE training on a breast examination mannequin and given brochures after training. The training lasted 40-50 minutes. Training was given in groups of 7-9 people and was completed from 2 April 2018 to 30 April 2018. After women in the experimental group were given training, they were called by telephone once per month until 6 months and reminded about doing BSE.

In the final stage of the research, a post-test was applied to women in the experiment and control groups six months after the first training. The posttest applied the questionnaire, CHBMS, and CBCFS for a second time. Attempts were made to determine the effect of the training and counseling on breast cancer health beliefs and fear of breast cancer.

Based on the principle of sufficient and accurate care, women in the control group were given training about breast cancer and BSE in groups of 7-9 people after posttest data were collected and given brochures at the end of training

Inclusion criteria

• Being over 20 years old
• not having a history of breast cancer
• not being in the lactation process
• not having a communication barrier
• volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• having a history of breast cancer
• having a communication barrier
• being in the lactation process
• not volunteering to participate in the study