Evaluation of Attitudes and Behavioral Changes in Relatives of Patients with Breast Cancer

Evaluation of Attitudes and Behavioral Changes in Relatives of Patients with Breast Cancer Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the information and support needs of breast cancer patients’ relatives and to what extent they were met. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 177 participants whose relatives were followed up with breast-cancer diagnosis in the Oncology Department between May and September 2019. The questionnaire and sociodemographic characteristics and “Information and Support Needs Scale” were applied to the participants. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.70±14.10. 66 (37.30%) were primary school graduates, 106 (59.90%) were housewives and 124 (70.10%) were married. The most common breast cancer screening methods for women were 68.40% (121) self-examination and 54.20% (96) mammography. The number of participants who had breast cancer screening was 78 (44.30%). The mean score of information requirements was 3.50±0.09 and the mean score of support requirements was 3.30±0.18. with Statistical analysis were performed with SPSS 21.0 program. Conclusion: It is necessary to determine the knowledge status, attitudes and needs of women who have breast cancer in their neighborhood by the health professionals about the causes, screening methods, treatment methods and prevention of breast cancer. In this way, it will increase the spread of breast cancer screening, the number of patients diagnosed early and the success of treatment.