Women's and men's perspectives on Breast cancer in Türkiye: strategies to improve screening participation-a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Despite the availability of screening services, participation remains suboptimal in Türkiye, and evidence on the determinants of screening behaviors and men’s supportive role is limited. This study aimed to assess BC awareness among women and men, identify factors associated with screening behaviors, and explore men’s attitudes toward supporting their partners’ participation in screening. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2022 and December 2024 using a convenience sampling approach among 725 participants at Koç University Hospital and affiliated institutions. The questionnaire developed by the authors based on a literature review was administered either in person or via email. Sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy, knowledge of risk factors and symptoms, screening behaviors, and self-breast examination practices were assessed through structured questionnaires. Results Knowledge of breast cancer screening was high, with 90.5% of women recognizing that mammography enables early detection. However, among women aged ≥40 years, only 69.6% had undergone at least one mammogram. Screening uptake was significantly higher among women with a family or social history of breast cancer than among those without (70.6% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.002). The most frequently reported barriers to screening were the absence of symptoms (56.0%), negligence (30.3%), and difficulties accessing healthcare services (17.1%). Although 81.0% of women reported performing breast self-examination, only 22.9% did so monthly, as recommended. Among men, awareness of breast cancer symptoms was moderate, while 87.8% reported supporting their partners’ participation in screening. Conclusion Improving access to screening services and addressing barriers such as neglect and the absence of symptoms may increase breast cancer screening uptake in Türkiye. Engaging partners and families in awareness initiatives could further support participation and facilitate earlier detection.