Behavioral factors associated with risk of breast cancer: awareness and prevention
Information for nursing staff, 2026, 58(1), 16-19.
I. Sokolova1, S. Slavov2, B. Simeonova1, A. Dimitrova1
1Department of Health Care, Faculty of Public Health „Prof. Tzecomir Vodenitcharov, MD, DSc”
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. Introduction: The results of various studies show that there are a number of factors that contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer. Of great importance are behavioral risk factors, i.e., the factors, which are influenced by the person themselves. Among them are smoking, caffeine use, emotional stress, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating and related obesity, etc. Prevention is of the utmost importance for the early diagnosis of breast cancer and for a good outcome from it. The adequate awareness of women of behavioral risk factors, as well as their correct assessment is a prerequisite for the success of preventive measures and events. The aim of this study is to identify the most common behavioral risk factors associated with the onset of breast cancer (BC) among the women surveyed, as well as their level of awareness of these factors, as a basis for improving BC prevention. Materials and methods: The study was conducted between December and March 2023 in preventive mammology clinics in Sofia. A total of 110 women aged 18-65 who had undergone a preventive examination were surveyed using a direct anonymous questionnaire containing 16 questions. For the purpose of the survey, a structured questionnaire was developed for women who use healthcare services in the field of ВС prevention. The data from the survey were processed and graphically presented using Microsoft Excel 2016. The available information in the accessible specialized medical literature on issues related to the topic of the study was also reviewed. Results: Analysis of the results shows that almost all participants in the study have knowledge about a healthy lifestyle, but do not have the necessary health behavior to implement it, which proves the need for a comprehensive approach to forming skills and stimulating activity regarding protective health factors.
Key words: breast cancer, risk factors, awareness, prevention
Address for correspondence: Iliana Sokolova, e-mail: i.sokolova@foz.mu-sofia.bg