Description

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world, accounting for almost a quarter of cancer cases diagnosed among women, with 1.15 million cases diagnosed each year. Breast cancer is common in both developed and developing countries. However, in developing countries, these rates are three times higher and the mortality rate is quite high. Risk factors include age, low socioeconomic level, early menarche, late menopause, family history of breast disease, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, breastfeeding status and lifestyle habits.

It is reported that breast cancer screening programs such as mammography, breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CMM) have an important role in early diagnosis, increasing the survival rate, reducing the death rate and preventing relapse in breast cancer patients. It has been reported that women who perform regular BSE are more likely to have early stages of the disease, this is because regular BSE gives the woman information about the feel and appearance of the breast. Thus, the woman will be able to detect any changes as early as possible. It is reported that the practice of breast self-examination depends on different factors, including women's knowledge, attitude, socio-demographic and sociocultural factors. Other reasons for low implementation rates, such as lack of time, forgetfulness, and low education level, have also been reported.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death after cervical cancer among incarcerated women under the age of 40. 27% of women over the age of 40 had breast cancer, and 18% of these women died. It is of great importance to raise awareness, which is considered one of the main elements of secondary prevention in breast cancer.