Effects of A Breast Cancer Educational Intervention On Fear And Self- Breast Examination Performance: Randomized Controlled Trial Breast Cancer Education
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Although regular self-breast examination (SBE) may facilitate early detection, many women have inadequate SBE skills and experience fear related to breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the impact of breast cancer and self-breast examination (SBE) education on women’s breast cancer fear and SBE skills.
Method: This randomized controlled study was conducted between February 1 and May 15, 2024, with 96 (Study group: 48; Control group: 48) women aged 20–60 years affiliated with a health center in western Türkiye. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Champion’s Breast Cancer Fear Scale, and the Self-Breast Examination Checklist. Baseline characteristics were compared using chi-square and independent-samples t tests. Within-group changes were analysed using paired-samples t tests. Post-intervention breast cancer fear and SBE skill scores were additionally analysed using ANCOVA with baseline scores entered as covariates. The study was conducted in accordance with the CONSORT guideline, and the significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results: The intervention and control groups were comparable in terms of sociodemographic and breast cancer screening characteristics at baseline (p>0.05). No significant effect of the intervention on breast cancer fear scores was observed. SBE skill scores increased significantly in both groups; however, post-intervention scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (88.75±14.82 vs. 57.70±20.95, p<0.001). The number of lumps detected on the breast examination model increased significantly within both groups after the intervention, although no significant between-group differences were found (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Breast cancer and SBE education significantly improved women’s SBE skills. Practical training supported by breast examination models may be an effective strategy for enhancing breast cancer awareness and promoting accurate SBE performance. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate the sustainability of these effects.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Müge Sağlık, Büşra Yolcu, Yasemin Hamlacı Başkaya
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