Breast self-examination for the early detection of breast cancer.

The early results are presented from a programme of education for Breast Self-Examination (BSE) for self-referral; 32,000 women in one health district, between the ages of 40 and 65 years, were invited by letter for education in BSE. Since the study began (1981-85), 153 breast cancers have been diagnosed, and they have been compared with the 153 breast cancers in the same age group presenting in the same health district immediately prior to the start of the study. A significant amelioration of prognostic factors is seen in the study group. However, at this time there is no significant difference in survival between the Study and the Control groups. The benign to cancer biopsy ratio is 1.2:1.