Discussion
breast self-examination, breast cancer
BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS, BSE, BREAST CANCER
This study looked into the effect of an educational intervention based on some dimensions of the PEN-3 model on breast cancer screening behaviors among female teachers in Isfahan. Results indicated that 91 out of 120 participants (75.8%) had at least one of the breast cancer screening behaviors (BSE, CBE by physician or medical staff, and MMG) before the intervention. However, the above-mentioned behaviors of the participants increased significantly after the intervention. In the present study, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the time interval for breast self-examination, the frequency of mammography, or the clinical exam before the intervention. However, the behavior was better in the intervention group than in the control group after 6 months of the intervention. The results indicated that training based on the PEN-3 model significantly affected behavior change. In a study by Bayik Temel et al., after the intervention, there was a significant increase in performing mammography and self-examination and knowing the appropriate time, indicating the impact of training. Half of the teachers did not perform any self-examination, and they had not even undergone mammography before receiving training in this study (The results of this study showed that the mean score of perception factors in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months after the intervention was significantly higher than those in the control group. The perception factors of this study included increased knowledge about risk factors, screening methods, and their timing, as well as the impact of timely breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The group discussion and messages sent to participants were very useful in this regard. According to a study by Bryan et al., there was a significant change in participants’ attitudes toward performing breast cancer screening behaviors after educational intervention (According to this study, the mean score of enablers in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group. The teachers were introduced to the method of screening behavior between 3 and 6 months after the intervention, most likely through education, and breast self-examination can be performed through role-playing and demonstration. In several studies in Iran, there was a significant increase in the rates of perceived benefits and barriers to performing screening behaviors after the intervention compared to before the intervention (Nurturers are among the determinants of screening behavior. In the present study, family members’ encouragement, which was positive nurture, had the greatest impact on screening behavior. Sheppard et al. found that family members played key roles in deciding on breast cancer treatment (Results of the present study indicated that scores of perception factors were significant predictors for performing or not-performing breast cancer screening behavior. Baron Epel considered belief in fate and fear of breast cancer diagnosis, which were among perception factors, as predictors of mammography among the number of participants (