Objective:

Breast Self-Exam (BSE) is a screening method for the early diagnosis of breast cancer in young women. However, the knowledge and applications of the students related to Breast Self-Exam (BSE) are insufficient. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, application and health beliefs of the students related to BSE.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive study’s sample consisted of 127 third and fourth grade students in the Nursing Department. Sociodemographic Form, Breast Cancer Knowledge Form, Health Belief Model Scale and BSE Checklist were used in order to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

Although most of the students have knowledge about BSE, the frequency of BSE and CBE were found to be low. The fourth grade students were more confident that they applied BSE correctly and their perceived self-efficacy was higher, but their perceived susceptibility and perceived obstacles were lower (p<.05). The students’ knowledge level about BSE was moderate and their BSE proficiency was low. It was found out that there was a statistical difference between BSE knowledge level and perceived susceptibility, health motivation, perceived obstacles and perceived selfefficacy. Also, a statistical difference was found between students’ being sure that they applied BSE correctly and perceived obstacles and perceived self-efficacy (p<.05).

Conclusion:

These findings lead to the idea that special training programs should be held instead of standard trainings, in order to improve the knowledge, skills, applications and health beliefs of the students regarding BSE. The curriculums should be revised in terms of breast cancer education.

Keywords: Breast cancer, early diagnosis, nursing students, breast self-exam