Determinants of willingness to breast cancer prophylactic examinations in Polish women

Amelia Ciuba^1,2*Marta Kulpa³Aneta Nitsch-Osuch⁴

• ¹Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
• ²Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, Warsaw, Poland
• ³Department of Health Psychology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, Warsaw, Poland
• ⁴Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, Warsaw, Poland

Background: Breast cancer is a global health issue affecting all countries regardless of economic development status. In Poland, the risk remains high: over the past 20 years, breast cancer incidence has increased by 60%, and mortality has risen by 30%. Although prevention options are limited, lifestyle modifications and regular medical check-ups can help reduce risk. This study aimed to identify key factors influencing Polish women's willingness to undergo breast cancer screening. Method: The study surveyed 407 women aged 45 to 69 between 2021-2022 and reported using the STROBE checklist. The research tool included an author-delivered questionnaire, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), and the Mini-COPE inventory. Results: Women were more likely to participate in screening if they were older, married, had children (although having an additional child was associated with a lower likelihood of screening), used oral contraception, had received education on breast cancer prevention, had higher average intensity in the Health Behavior Inventory and scored significantly higher on the author's scale, and demonstrated an external health locus of control. Additionally, women who reported attending prophylactic examinations were significantly more likely to express a need for emotional support. Conclusions: Further research is needed to better understand the factors motivating women to engage in health-promoting behaviors and to develop targeted interventions. The findings suggest that women who are well-informed about breast cancer prevention and feel comfortable accessing preventive services are more likely to undergo regular screening.