Breast cancer: The intention to have a mammography and a clinical breast examination - Application of the theory of planned behavior

The purpose of these cross sectional studies was to identify the psychosoci al factors explaining women's intention to have a mammography within the ne xt two years and their intention to have a clinical breast examination (CBE ) by a professional within the next year. Two random samples of women aged 40-69 years (n(d) = 354, n(b) = 344) completed a self-administered question naire that investigated theoretical constructs of the theory of planned beh avior. The results Of structural equation modeling showed that subjective n orms and perceived behavioral control explained 81%, of the variance in int ention of having a mammography. Sixty-five percent (65%) of the variance in intention of having a CBE was explained by attitude and perceived behavior al control. In conclusion, women need to be better informed. have better sk ills to overcome psychological and physical barriers in performing preventi ve breast behaviors, and promotion of preventive breast cancer methods shou ld consider people significant for women.