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

Abstract

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.