Determinants of willingness to undergo breast cancer prophylactic examinations in Polish women

TL;DR

This study explores what influences Polish women to undergo breast cancer screening, finding that education, health behaviors, and emotional support play key roles.

Contribution

The study identifies specific demographic and psychological factors influencing breast cancer screening participation in Polish women.

Findings

Older, married women with children and higher health behavior scores are more likely to participate in screening.

Education on breast cancer prevention and external health locus of control increase screening willingness.

Women who attend prophylactic exams report a greater need for emotional support.

Abstract

Breast cancer is a global health issue affecting all countries regardless of economic development status. In Poland, the risk remains high: over the past 20 years, breast cancer incidence has increased by 60%, and mortality has risen by 30%. Although prevention options are limited, lifestyle modifications and regular medical check-ups can help reduce risk. This study aimed to identify key factors influencing Polish women’s willingness to undergo breast cancer screening.

The study surveyed 407 women aged 45 to 69 between 2021 and 2022 and reported using the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. The research tool included an author-delivered questionnaire, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), and the Mini-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Mini-COPE) inventory.

Women were more likely to participate in screening if they were older, married, had children (although having an additional child was associated with a lower likelihood of screening), used oral contraception, had received education on breast cancer prevention, had higher average intensity in the Health Behavior Inventory and scored significantly higher on the author’s scale, and demonstrated an external health locus of control. Additionally, women who reported attending prophylactic examinations were significantly more likely to express a need for emotional support.

Further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that motivate women to engage in health-promoting behaviors and to develop targeted interventions. The findings suggest that women who are well-informed about breast cancer prevention and feel comfortable accessing preventive services are more likely to undergo regular screening.

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