Health beliefs about mammography in women referred to Ahvaz mammography centers

Breast cancer is one the most common disorders in Worldwide. This study conducted to determine health beliefs before mammography in women referred to Ahvaz mammography centers in 2010. This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 120 women referred to Ahvaz mammography center. The statistical populations were selected by purposive sampling. The data were obtained through interview by Demographic questionnaire and Champion's Health Belief Model scale. The data were analyzed by descriptive and deductive statistic testes. Findings showed the majority of the women were in the 41-50 age group 45%), 41.7% undergraduates, 86.7% women were married. 48.3% the first time were referred for mammography, 49.2% of women referred for breast cancer screening. 80.8% had not a positive history of breast cancer in first degree relatives. breast self examination was the most common barrier to do mammography and 79.2% of women accepted it. Findings of this study suggest that Iranian women need to be trained in the field of breast cancer, Diagnostic and screening methods. In this context, health care workers play an important role in promoting health awareness, knowledge and positive attitude towards the prevention and behavior change, particularly screening mammography in women older than 40 years.