Evaluation of Breast Cancer Knowledge Levels Among Women: The Example of Eskişehir Province

Aim: This study aimed to determine the breast cancer knowledge levels of women aged 18–64 years living in Eskişehir and to evaluate the relationship between risk levels and sociodemographic characteristics, health history, and screening behaviors. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among women who attended family health centers between September and October 2018. The sample size was calculated as 993 using a 95% confidence level, a 1% margin of error, and a design effect of 1.5, and a cluster sampling method was applied. Breast cancer risk was assessed using the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Form developed by the American Cancer Society, while knowledge level was evaluated with a 30-item scale developed by the researchers. Statistical analyses included the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation analysis, and hierarchical linear regression analysis (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.7 ± 12.9 years, and the mean breast cancer knowledge score was 19 ± 5.7. Knowledge levels were significantly higher among women with higher educational attainment, better family income, and those who were employed. In addition, women with a history of benign breast disease, those who had previously received information about breast cancer, those performing breast self-examination, those who were aware of mammography, and those undergoing regular mammography screening had significantly higher knowledge scores. Conclusion: Breast cancer knowledge level is closely associated with education, socioeconomic status, and screening behaviors. Structured and practice-oriented educational programs targeting women—particularly those in disadvantaged groups—may contribute to improving breast cancer awareness.