title: Health beliefs and practice of breast self-examination among young Cypriot women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Breast cancer is the leading form of cancer affecting Cypriot women. This study is aimed at examining the factors influencing the choice of Cypriot women to perform breast self-examination (BSE).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study, with a sample of 94 young Cypriot women, was conducted.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Greek version of Champion's Health Belief Model was used. Various statistical tests were implemented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost all women (91.5%) had heard about BSE, and 71.3% had performed it sometime in the past. The susceptibility factor was significant in influencing women's behavior, while barriers and self-confidence were associated with practicing BSE. Knowledge on BSE and a high level of education were positively related with the frequency of practicing BSE.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Proper education on BSE is important in shaping young women's attitudes. Any related health strategy should consider the concepts of Health Belief Model, especially the factors that make a female susceptible to breast cancer.
authors: University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
authors: Wasileh
authors: W
authors: Petro-Nustas
authors: Haritini
authors: H
authors: Tsangari
authors: Constantinos
authors: C
authors: Phellas
authors: Costas
authors: C
authors: Constantinou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy; D016504:Breast Self-Examination; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003535:Cyprus; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult