Women’s health behaviours regarding early detection of breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction andObjective. Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour among women in highly developed countries, including Poland, and ranks first in terms of the incidence of malignant tumours in women. In the early stages of development, breast cancer may be completely asymptomatic, but in the advanced stage of the disease it causes numerous symptoms that impair functioning in every sphere of life. Integrated methods of oncological surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy are used to treat breast cancer. Pro-health behaviours involving the elimination or modification of risk factors are promoted among women, as well as activities enabling early identification of disturbing symptoms related to cancer, such as breast self-examination or participation in a breast cancer prevention programme. Breast cancer diagnosed early has a high cure rate. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the impact of desired behaviours and activities in the field of breast cancer prevention. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Women's knowledge about early diagnosis and risk factors of breast cancer is expanding. New drugs and therapy options have a positive impact on improving the prognosis, but the most important thing is to detect cancer at an early stage. Maintaining the so-called oncological vigilance expressed in knowledge of potential symptoms of breast cancer and the use of preventive and screening tests. Summary. Breast cancer prevention should include educating women of all ages about the need for regular breast self-examination, medical examinations and, above all, participation in preventive programmes. Knowledge about early cancer detection methods, risk factors and prevention methods is vital in the fight against breast cancer in women.