The Relationship Between Breast Cancer Fear and Fatalism Perceptions of Women and Their Breast Cancer Early Detection Behaviours

Abstract

Introduction Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and early detection is vital for reducing mortality. Psychological and cultural factors like fear and fatalism can limit screening participation. Objectives This study examined how women's fear and fatalism levels affect their early detection behaviours and the relationships among these variables. Methods A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted between 1 November 2024 and 25 February 2025, with 433 women registered at Family Health Centres. Data were collected using the 'Personal Information Form', 'Breast Cancer Fear Scale' and 'Breast Cancer Fatalism Scale'. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, post hoc (Tukey, LSD), Pearson correlation and linear regression tests. Results Among the participants, 52.4% performed breast self-examination, 25.4% had a clinical breast examination and 26.2% of women over 40 had a mammogram. Age, education, marital and employment status, having children and willingness to learn about breast cancer significantly affected fatalism (p < 0.05). Employment status, having children and willingness to learn significantly affected fear levels (p < 0.05). Early detection practices were not significantly associated with fear or fatalism scores (p > 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that fatalism (B = 0.308, p = 0.036) and willingness to learn (B = 3.343, p < 0.001) significantly predicted breast cancer fear. Conclusion Enhancing knowledge and health literacy, along with improving access to screening, is essential for increasing screening behaviours. Regression analysis revealed that fatalism significantly predicted breast cancer fear. Increasing fatalistic beliefs may intensify fear responses and potentially contribute to avoidance of early detection behaviours. Therefore, addressing fatalistic perceptions may help reduce fear and promote screening participation. Health professionals should actively guide women, with a focus on those experiencing high fear and fatalism, as reducing these factors can support greater participation in early breast cancer detection. Health professionals should actively guide women, with a focus on those experiencing high fear and fatalism, as reducing these factors can support greater participation in early breast cancer detection.