The practice and efficacy of breast self-examination: a critical review.

Abstract
Evaluation of the results of breast self-examination (BSE) is inconclusive. Studies which address the question of proper method of BSE find that most women do not know how to carry out the procedure correctly. Socio-demographic characteristics most consistently related to BSE practice are age and education. New research on BSE must not only take into account such correlates but also provide some verification of the procedure to determine the importance of BSE in the detection and control of breast cancer.