Educating women about the importance of breast screenings: the nurse's role.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Although it has been well documented that the incidence of mortality from this disease can be reduced through early detection, only a small percentage of women actually comply with breast screening recommendations. Nurses are in an excellent position to educate women on the importance of early detection of breast cancer. This article discusses the motivating and inhibiting factors that influence a woman's decision to participate in breast screening activities, and suggestions are made for designing educational programs that take these factors into account. Emphasis is placed on the nurse's role in educating patients and the public about the importance of breast cancer screenings.