A Review of Strategies to Promote Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors in Women

Abstract

Background and purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cause of death due to cancer in women throughout the world. There is no absolute way to prevent this cancer, so, screening for early diagnosis is essential. The aim of this study was to review the strategies that promote breast cancer screening behaviors in women. Materials and methods: In this review study, Persian and English articles (published 1985-2017) were searched in electronic databases including Google scholar, SID, Magiran, Pubmed, and Science Direct using the following keywords: strategy, screening behavior, cancer, breast cancer, and women. Results: In this study, 438 articles were found and after screening the title, abstract, and original text, 39 articles were selected. Based on the findings, effective strategies for promoting screening behaviors in women included self-care trainings in breast cancer, designing cost-effective public screening programs, using reminders to invite women to screen, eliminating fear, and anxiety about screening for breast cancer. Conclusion: Screening for early diagnosis of breast cancer is of great benefit in performing fast and appropriate treatments, so various strategies should be used to increase screening behaviors in women. These strategies should be promoted using human resources, educational materials, health policies, and psychosocial supports.

Keywords

• strategy
• screening behavior
• cancer
• breast cancer
• women