Profile of women practicing breast self-examination
S. E. Bennett, R. S. Lawrence, K. H. Fleischmann, C. S. Gifford and W. V. Slack
The monthly practice of breast self-examination (BSE) can result in the
early diagnosis of breast cancer. To explore factors that influence women's
habits in the practice of BSE, we interviewed 616 women using an
interactive computer program. We found that these women were more likely to
practice BSE on a frequent basis if they were living with their sexual
partner, had been shown how to perform BSE, and were confident in their
examination technique. Women with a maternal history of breast disease were
also more likely to practice monthly BSE. Unlike past reports that women
with formal education beyond high school practice BSE more frequently than
less-educated women, our study showed no association between monthly BSE
practice and formal education. Contrary to our hypothesis that BSE practice
was associated with the practice of other preventive health activities, our
study did not demonstrate such a relationship. These findings suggest that
demonstrating BSE at the periodic health examination may help increase the
number of women practicing BSE on a frequent basis.
