BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION IN THE PRIMARY CARE SETTING

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 10  (5) , 811-815
Abstract
Very little is known about breast self-examination (BSE), a healthy practice that is associated with better clinical and pathological breast cancer outcomes. Using data obtained from a sample of 260 women frequenting 3 primary care centers, this study investigates rates of BSE and how such rates are affected by social and medical factors. BSE practices are influenced by race and level of education, and especially by religion. There was no evidence to suggest that a woman''s knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, or her own level of risk for the disease, affect the extent to which she is likely to self-examine. These social influences on BSE practice need to be confirmed using a larger, population based sample. The values and attitudes affecting differential rates of BSE performance should be investigated.

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