Prevalences of breast self examination, clinical breast examination and having mammography scans in Turkish women and the contributing factors

Introduction: Aim of this study is to detect the frequency of breast self examination, clinical breast examination and having mammography scans in Turkey and to evaluate the factors affecting this condition.

Methods: In this national cross sectional household survey multi-stage weighted, stratified cluster sampling method was applied. 5805 women who were 20 years old or above were enrolled in the study. SPSS complex samples module was performed for statistical analyses. Percentage distribution, chi square, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Findings: Of the participants; %65,1 of them stated that they had never performed breast self examination, %75.2 of them told they had not applied to a clinic for breast examination and %70.9 of the women over 50 years age stated that they had never undergone mammography.

Performing breast self examination was significantly more frequent in women of 45-64 year ages, living in the South regions, having chronic diseases and retired (p<0,05).

Clinical breast examination rate was more frequent in women of 45-64 year ages, university graduates, living in the South regions and the women having chronic diseases (p<0,05).

The frequency of having mammography scans was higher in women of 45-64 year ages, university graduates, living in urban area and the North region and the ones having chronic diseases (p<0,05).

Conclusion: The frequency of breast self examimnation, clinical breast examination and having mammography scans in women with decreased socioeconomic level is low and this issue should be focused on in national health programs.