Determination of the Knowledge and the Practice of Female Patients About Breast Cancer, Preventive Measures and Breast Self Examination and Effectiveness of Education

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the knowledge of the females' about breast cancer, preventive measures and examining their breasts by themselves. Methods: Hundred female patients, who were being treated in the clinics of internal diseases and gynecology of Sinop Ataturk State Hospital between May-November 2006 and accepted to participate in the research, were taken as samples. The data was collected by using a questionnaire, which was set up from 35 questions. The research was conducted by using pre-test and post-test. Results: It was seen that the female patients became more aware of the breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, clinical breast examination, examining their breasts by themselves and mammography (p< 0.001) with the help of this educational activity. Conclusion: After the educational activity positive developments were occured on females patients' knowledge and examining their breasts by themselves. For this reason the female should be informed about risk factors, symptoms, prevention measures of breast cancer and examining their breasts by themselves.