Effect of direct education on breast self examination awareness and practice among women in Bolu, Turkey.

AIMS

To evaluate breast self examination (BSE) practice and the effect of a training program conducted by healthcare professionals on BSE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women were randomized into control and test groups with both groups completing a questionnaire and three independent interviews where their BSE practices were evaluated.

RESULTS

In all, 39.5% of the participants were previously provided information on BSE by healthcare professionals while 25.8% had no knowledge of BSE prior to enrollment. Compared to those informed about BSE through other means such as television, radio, and the internet, the scores of the first, second, and third visits were higher (p<0.05) in individuals who received BSE education from healthcare professionals and hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

BSE training provided by healthcare professionals may increase early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment rates by improving BSE awareness and practice.