Background: Breast cancer screening programs should be population-based and involve all women in the 50-69 years age group at least and performed at 1-2 year intervals, using mammogram only or mammogram with clinical breast examination, to be successful.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons women did or did not participate in services related to the early diagnosis breast cancer, and to evaluate the impact of three education methods such as individual education, individual education and spouse brochure, group education on increasing their participation in breast cancer screening though mammography.
Methods: This descriptive and interventional study was conducted in Turkey and USA. The study sample consisted of 446 women in Turkey and 104 women in the USA.
Results: In Turkey, 26.7% of the women and 71.2% in the USA reported having a screening mammogram over the last 2 years. The mean knowledge scores of women regarding breast cancer and screening were 6.08±3.78 for Turkey and 11.34±2.19 for USA out of a possible 15 points. The method of education and the knowledge scores have the significant influence on screening mammogram rates in the women following education in Turkey. The screening mammogram rate following group education was higher than the individual education method.
Conclusions: The knowledge level of women regarding breast cancer and screening following education is an important factor influencing the decision to have a screening mammogram.