Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women; early detection through screening improves survival. This study aimed to compare patients diagnosed through screening with those diagnosed outside screening programs to identify factors influencing participation in breast cancer screening. Methods: A total of 356 breast cancer patients at Ankara Etlik City Hospital were surveyed and divided into screening-diagnosed and non-screening groups. Objective knowledge levels were assessed using a 10-item Breast Cancer Knowledge Test developed specifically for this study. Factors associated with screening participation were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Overall, 23% of patients were diagnosed through screening programs. Referrals for screening were most frequently made by family doctors (58%), followed by other doctors (19.8%) and social circles (12.4%). In the screening group, early stage (Stage I–II, p<0.001), higher educational level (p<0.001), regular self-breast examination (p<0.001), family history of breast cancer (p<0.001), and family history of other malignancies (p=0.025) were more frequent. Univariate analysis showed that higher educational level (p<0.001), family history of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR]=3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72–5.34; p<0.001), and family history of other malignancies (OR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.07–2.91; p=0.026) were associated with screening participation. In multivariate analysis, higher educational level (OR=5.60; 95% CI: 1.72–18.2; p=0.004) and family history of breast cancer (OR=2.48; 95% CI: 1.13–5.44; p=0.023) remained independent predictors. Conclusion: These findings show that breast cancer screening programs enhance early-stage diagnosis, with higher participation among women with higher education and a family history of breast cancer. Targeted education and active referrals for lower-educated and high-risk women are essential to increase participation.
Safiye Kübra Çetindağ Karatlı, Salih Karatlı· The Anatolian Journal of Fam...· 0 citations
Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and its clinical, treatment-related, and psychological correlates in breast cancer survivors without active disease. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 breast cancer survivors after curative treatment. FCR was assessed using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory–Short Form (FCRI-SF), with scores ≥ 13 indicating clinically significant FCR. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D) scores ≥ 8 indicated clinically significant symptoms. Associations with FCR were analyzed using logistic regression, with HADS-A and HADS-D evaluated in separate multivariable models because of their potential overlap. Results: The mean age was 55.6 ± 9.5 years; clinically significant FCR, anxiety, and depression occurred in 38.0%, 32.5%, and 38.0%, respectively. In univariable analysis, younger age, stage III disease, mastectomy, chemotherapy history, and high HADS-A and HADS-D were associated with FCR. In the HADS-A model, chemotherapy history (adjusted OR: 5.841; p = 0.006) and high HADS-A (adjusted OR: 7.828; p < 0.001) were independently associated with FCR, whereas increasing age was protective (adjusted OR: 0.855; p < 0.001). In the HADS-D model, mastectomy (adjusted OR: 6.265; p = 0.002), chemotherapy history (adjusted OR: 6.941; p = 0.001), and high HADS-D (adjusted OR: 14.343; p < 0.001) were independently associated with FCR, whereas increasing age was protective (adjusted OR: 0.836; p < 0.001). Conclusions: FCR is a major psychosocial concern among breast cancer survivors, particularly in younger patients, those with chemotherapy history, and those with greater psychological symptom burden. The association with mastectomy should also be considered, particularly in patients with depressive symptoms.
