ABSTRACT

Introduction and Aim:

Breast cancer is one of the disease seen commonly in the women.

The study indicated that the knowledge levels about breast cancer of the young were low and their breast-self examination’s beliefs and applications were not suffi cient. The study was carried out descriptively with the aim of determining the factors aff ecting the awereness of breast cancer of college students.

Material and Method:

The research was carried on 200 students chosen by the method of known sampling of the context and staying at girl dormitory of Atatürk University in 2007. Data were collected by introductory information form and health belief model scales.

Findings:

It was found out that 13% of the students in the study content had cancery history in their family and relatives, and that 33.5% of the students had breast cancer information and that while 33.5% of the students had breast self examination information, the rate of making regular self examination in students was %19.5. Breast self examination barries of the students who had information about Breast cancer was lower than those who don’t have information, and their seriousness was signifi cantly higher. Perceived seriousness, susceptibility and self-effi cacy to breast cancer and signifi cance of the students whose families have breast cancer was found signifi cantly higher.

Conclusion:

As factors aff ecting the awareness of breast cancer of college students, knowledge of breast cancer, the family history of breast cancer and health beliefs were determined as eff ective factors.