Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Its incidence and early diagnosis rates vary between countries, ethnic groups, and regions. This study examines the impact of educational status on tumor size, axillary involvement, and disease stage in breast cancer patients from Eastern and Southeastern Türkiye. A total of 51 breast cancer patients undergoing surgery at our hospital between August 2023 and January 2025 were evaluated. Four with recurrent cancer were excluded, leaving 47 patients. A significant relationship was found between education level and axillary involvement (p = 0.021). The highest rate of negative axillary involvement was in primary school graduates (89.47%), while the lowest was in high school graduates (37.50%). No significant relationship was found between literacy status and axillary involvement (p = 0.147). Educational level significantly affected axillary involvement in breast cancer, with the lowest rates observed in primary school graduates and the highest in high school graduates. The lack of a significant difference between literate and illiterate groups suggests that visual and auditory media-based awareness campaigns are effective throughout society. Countries should emphasize visual and auditory breast cancer education to maximize outreach.

Key words: Breast cancer, education, literacy, axillary involvement