Improving frequency and proficiency of breast self-examination: effectiveness of an education program.

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Abstract
A randomized trial to improve breast self-examination (BSE) performance among college-age women was developed and results evaluated at a large public university. The major intervention was a BSE group education session conducted in classroom and workshop settings. The preintervention and 6 mo.-after experimental-control comparisons show that: current performance of BSE increased by 26%, bi-monthly or more often BSE performance increased by 29%, and performance proficiency improved by 22%. A change index, adjusting for each group''s level on these 3 measures at preintervention, showed higher levels of change; 57, 36 and 28%, respectively. A significantly larger proportion of women in the experimental group discussed BSE with others than women in the control groups. The talked to mothers, compared to the not talked to mothers performed BSE more regularly, in more positions and spent more time on the examination. Properly targeted educational programs evidently can significantly improve early detection behaviors in women. In addition, the evaluation protocol defined proficiency measures and validated measurement tools. Subsequent studies need to examine the relation of proficiency measures to detection of abnormality [breast cancer] and subsequent effect on morbidity and mortality, so that the debate about BSE efficacy can be scientifically addressed.