The Relation between Breast Cancer Fear and Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors of Female Healthcare Professionals

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between breast cancer fear and breast cancer prevention behaviors of female healthcare professionals (HCPs). Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study involved a convenience sample of 338 nurses, midwives and physicians working at a state hospital in Turkey. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews with the participants using Personal Information Form, Breast Cancer Fear Scale (BCFS), and Scale of Factors Affecting Women’s Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors (ASSISTS).The data were analyzed by using Independent Samples t Test, One-way ANOVA, Tukey and Pearson’s correlation tests. Results: The mean scores on BCFS and ASSISTS were 26.71±7.65 and 123.36±15.49 respectively, indicating breast cancer fear were high and breast cancer prevention behaviors were moderately. The higher breast cancer prevention behavior scores among the HCPs who were working longer years, working longer years in night shift, those having breast problems, and undergone breast biopsy, those performing breast self-examination, undergone clinical breast examination and mammography (p0.05). Conclusion: Professional education in breast cancer prevention behaviors and addressing fear on breast cancer are likely to result in reduced barriers to develop prevention behaviors.