The relationship of selected variables to breast cancer detection behaviors in women 35 and older.

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between selected variables and the practice of breast self-examination (BSE), mammography, and professional breast examination (PBE). In addition, the relationship between the behaviors was examined using a probability sample of 322 women ages 35 and older. The women were contacted by telephone via random digit dialing, and data were collected through mailed questionnaires. Results supported a relationship between BSE and attitudinal variables of health motivation, social influence, susceptibility, barriers, confidence, and knowledge (R2 = 0.29). Additionally, the variables of knowledge, social influence, and health motivation related to compliance with mammography, and the variable of health motivation related to compliance with PBE.