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Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Cilt: 36 Sayı: 2026 30 Temmuz 2026
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Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Öz

Aim: This study aimed to examine breast cancer fear (BCF), associated risk factors, and early screening behaviors among women undergoing breast surgery.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the general surgery clinic of a university hospital between September 2021 and January 2022. The study included 136 women aged 20 years or older who underwent breast surgery for malignant or benign conditions, were able to communicate, and voluntarily agreed to participate. Data were collected in the preoperative period through face-to-face interviews using a demographic information form and the Breast Cancer Fear Scale (BCFS). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the relationship between BCF level and screening behaviors.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 50.03±14.11 years. The mean BCFS score was 30.11±8.08, indicating that most participants experienced a high level of fear. Participation in early screening behaviors was low; only one-third of the women regularly performed breast self-examination (BSE). Women with lower levels of fear were significantly more likely to perform regular BSE (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: High breast cancer fear and low screening participation were identified among women undergoing breast surgery. The findings suggest that fear may have a dual effect on early detection behaviors, and excessive fear may trigger avoidance, reducing adherence to screening. In this context, perioperative nursing practices should go beyond information provision and incorporate fear management, emotional regulation strategies, risk-based counseling, and culturally sensitive psychosocial support.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Breast cancer, breast cancer fear, early detection, screening behaviors, surgical nursing

Etik Beyan

Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the non-interventional clinical research ethics committee (October 01, 2021; Decision No: 21), the head physician of the university hospital, and the participants. Individuals who agreed to participate in the study also signed an informed consent. The study was performed by the Declaration of Helsinki.

Teşekkür

Thanks to all patients who participated in the study.

Kaynakça

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Kaynak Göster

APA
Gezer, D., Gökçe, E., Alptekin, D., Ügü, B., & Arslan, S. (2026). Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Genel Tıp Dergisi, 36(2026), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.54005/geneltip.1810842
AMA
1.Gezer D, Gökçe E, Alptekin D, Ügü B, Arslan S. Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Genel Tıp Derg. 2026;36(2026):1-7. doi:10.54005/geneltip.1810842
Chicago
Gezer, Derya, Esma Gökçe, Dudu Alptekin, Burcu Ügü, ve Sevban Arslan. 2026. “Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study”. Genel Tıp Dergisi 36 (2026): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.54005/geneltip.1810842.
EndNote
Gezer D, Gökçe E, Alptekin D, Ügü B, Arslan S (01 Temmuz 2026) Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Genel Tıp Dergisi 36 2026 1–7.
IEEE
[1]D. Gezer, E. Gökçe, D. Alptekin, B. Ügü, ve S. Arslan, “Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study”, Genel Tıp Derg, c. 36, sy 2026, ss. 1–7, Tem. 2026, doi: 10.54005/geneltip.1810842.
ISNAD
Gezer, Derya - Gökçe, Esma - Alptekin, Dudu - Ügü, Burcu - Arslan, Sevban. “Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study”. Genel Tıp Dergisi 36/2026 (01 Temmuz 2026): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.54005/geneltip.1810842.
JAMA
1.Gezer D, Gökçe E, Alptekin D, Ügü B, Arslan S. Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Genel Tıp Derg. 2026;36:1–7.
MLA
Gezer, Derya, vd. “Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study”. Genel Tıp Dergisi, c. 36, sy 2026, Temmuz 2026, ss. 1-7, doi:10.54005/geneltip.1810842.
Vancouver
1.Derya Gezer, Esma Gökçe, Dudu Alptekin, Burcu Ügü, Sevban Arslan. Breast Cancer Fear, Risk Factors, and Early Screening Behaviors Among Women Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Genel Tıp Derg. 01 Temmuz 2026;36(2026):1-7. doi:10.54005/geneltip.1810842