Breast Cancer Screening Practices and Related Health Beliefs among Taiwanese Nurses

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is one of most common cancer types among women in Taiwan. Nurses are in an ideal position to promote breast cancer screening and educate individuals about breast health-related issues. This exploratory study aims to provide preliminary information on Taiwanese nurses’ beliefs about breast cancer, breast cancer-related knowledge, and their cancer screening practices. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 96 nurses completed self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Participants were knowledgeable about the different breast cancer screening modalities and the risk factors for breast cancer, but various misconceptions about breast cancer were still observed. Nevertheless, more than 50% of participants reported that they never had clinical breast examinations, ultrasound, and/or mammography screening in the past. CONCLUSIONS: Our study sample demonstrated greater knowledge on modalities of breast cancer screening modalities and the risk factors for breast cancers but lower screening practices. Future studies that examine the impact of demographics and the reinforcing and inhibiting factors related to nurses’ screening uptake are warranted.