Correlation between health beliefs and breast cancer early detection behaviors among females referring to health centers in Khoy city, Iran

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment which will lead to death. Health beliefs play an important role in the health behaviors of people. This study was carried out to determine correlation between health beliefs and breast cancer early detection behaviors among females referring to health centers in Khoy city. In this descriptive-correlational study، 8 health centers from different parts of Khoy were selected by cluster sampling and 162 females were included in the study. Data was collected using Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale. Content Validity was measured through 10 experts'' opinion and reliability by measuring Cronbach alpha and test-retest. Data were analyzed by SPSS/16. The majority of participants had strong health beliefs about the benefits of breast self-examination (82. 7%) and mammography (10. 5%). There was significant statistical correlation between job، educational level، marital status and BSE performance and between age and mammography (P<0. 05). There was no significant correlation between health beliefs and breast cancer early detection behaviors. Although there was a strong health belief in women، early cancer detection behaviors was not performed. Therefore، educating and encouraging housewives، married، uneducated and adolescent women as well as providing a suitable place for breast examination in health centers are necessary.