Comparison of early diagnosis, health lifestyle behaviors and breast cancer worries of women with and without a first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer

Background: Breast cancer ranks first among the cancer types seen in women. This study aimed to compare the early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle behaviors and worry levels over breast cancer of women with and without a first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer (FDRBCH). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 240 women (120 with FDRBCH, 120 without FDRBCH) who had not been diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were obtained using a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic factors, early diagnosis behaviors, the Breast Cancer Worry Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (HLBS-II). The knowledge of breast cancer in women with an FDRBCH and those performing breast self-examination were significantly different (p < 0.05). The total breast cancer worry score was significantly high in women with an FDRBCH (11.49 ± 4.34). In addition, the mean scores of health responsibility (22.02 ± 4.88), nutrition (22.70 ± 4.42) and stress management (20.26± 4.46) subdimensions of the HLBS-II were significantly higher in women with an FDRBCH. Results: The results of this study suggest that having an FDRBCH increases worry over breast cancer but also positively affects participation in early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Conclusions: In this respect, it is primarily suggested that women without FDRBCH should be included in breast cancer early diagnosis screening programs and programs that encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors.