Nursing journal, Vol. 31 No. 1, 2026.
Stručni rad
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.31.1.5
Awareness of breast preventive screenings among healthcare users at the health center Gospić
Kristina Davidović
; Dom zdravlja Ličko-senjske županije, 118. brigade HV 3, 53 000 Gospić
Karolina Vižintin
; Opća bolnica Karlovac, Ul. Andrije Štampara 3, 47 000 Karlovac
Vanja Marković
orcid.org/0009-0003-9260-4636
; Medicinska škola Karlovac, Ul. Andrije Štampara 5, 47 000 Karlovac
*
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in the Republic of Croatia. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and preventive examinations play a crucial role in reducing mortality and disease rates.
Aim: Aim is to determine the level of awareness about breast cancer prevention programs, identify the most common sources of information on preventive examinations, determine the frequency of breast self-examinations by age groups (18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66-70), and assess the population’s knowledge about the occurrence of breast cancer in men.
Materials and Methods: A total of 248 respondents participated in the study, which was conducted in the family medicine and gynecology clinics of the Gospić Health Center during the period of 23.05.2025.-31.05.2025. Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire and processed using Microsoft Excel and Statistica 14.0.0.15 (TIBCO Software Inc.).
Results: The study included 248 respondents, of whom 243 were women and 5 were men. The most represented age group was 18-25 years, accounting for 44%, with the majority of respondents having completed secondary education. Regarding awareness, 72% respondents were familiar with the term, but only 32% regularly performed breast self-exams. Fear, shame, and lack of information were cited by 40% respondents as reasons for avoiding preventive screenings, although 78% believed preventive screenings were sufficiently accessible. Only 23% respondents had undergone a breast ultrasound, and only 12% had a mammogram, indicating a low turnout for diagnostic procedures. As many as 85% of respondents recognized the importance of early disease detection.
Conclusion: The research showed that respondents have basic knowledge about preventive screenings, but their application in practice remains insufficient. Additional education is needed to encourage regular examinations and thus improve early detection of breast cancer. Given the low frequency of diagnostic methods use (ultrasound, mammography), it is considered necessary to strengthen public health campaigns and mental health support.
Ključne riječi
risk factors; population awareness; prevention; preventive screenings; breast cancer
Hrčak ID:
346141
URI
Datum izdavanja:
13.4.2026.
Posjeta: 222 *