Teaching employees breast self examination. Factors that may influence practice

Breast self examination is a widely known technique used for detection of breast lumps. Many women do not practice monthly breast self examination, although it has been proven that with early detection the prognosis of breast cancer can be improved greatly. When tend to be taught, or learn about, breast self examination at an early age. The educational techniques used during the instruction can influence the practice of BSE later on. Health professionals can make a difference in the practice of BSE by communicating the value of this detection technique. BSE is a viable breast cancer detection technique that employees can be taught easily in employee wellness programs by health professionals.     

Breast Self-Examination Beliefs: A Descriptive Study

Abstract Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among American women. Evidence indicates that regular breast self-examination (BSE) may reduce breast cancer mortality by 18%, yet the majority of women do not practice it. This study used a decision model to examine the BSE-related characteristics, beliefs, and behaviors of 52 working women age 21 to 65 years (mean 44.05 yrs). Nearly 29% of the sample performed BSE. They were more likely than nonperformers to be white, to have a close relative who had breast cancer, and to believe that breast problems could be detected through BSE. Fears, particularly fear of cancer, were more likely to affect performers' than nonperformers' BSE decision. Nonperformers were more likely to think that the first symptom of breast cancer would be a sensation of some type. and that a healthy lifestyle protected them from the disease. They also were more likely to think reminders would encourage them to perform BSE. The most often reported sources of information about BSE were health care providers and friends or relatives.     

Reliability and validity of the breast cancer screening belief scale among Turkish women

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Turkish women, and the use of breast self-examination (BSE) and mammography remains low in Turkey. Therefore, we need to identify the beliefs, influencing BSE and mammography, and a valid and reliable tool to measure constructs. The Champion's health belief model scale (CHBMS) is a valid and reliable tool to measure beliefs about breast cancer, BSE, and mammography in an English culture. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric characteristics of a Turkish version of the CHBMS related to breast cancer, BSE, and mammography. A convenience sample of 656 women was recruited from 3 health centers and 2 maternal and child health centers in Istanbul. The CHBMS was translated to Turkish, validated by professional judges, back translated, and tested. Factor analysis yielded 7 factors for BSE: confidence, seriousness, barriers-BSE, health motivation 1 and 2, susceptibility, and benefits-BSE. For mammography scale, 6 factors were identified: seriousness, benefits-mammography, barriers-mammography, health motivation 1 and 2, and susceptibility. All items on each factor were from the same construct. Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients ranged from.75 to.87 for the subscales. The Turkish version of the CHBMS showed adequate reliability and validity for use in Turkish women. It could easily be used to evaluate the health beliefs about breast cancer, BSE, and mammography. Further refinement is required to study Turkish women's health beliefs and breast cancer screening behaviors in various settings.     

Evaluation of a breast examination facilitation device

Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended in order to help women detect possible breast cancer early in its development Correct BSE performance has been shown tobe positively associated with breast lump detection ability Few women, however, report practising BSE, citing reasons such as dislike of touching one's own breasts, fear of finding a lump, lack of confidence in their-ability to perform BSE The purpose of this study was to test a breast examination facilitation device (BEFD) for women, which would provide a teaching/screening tool, as well as a shield between breast and fingers for women who are reluctant to touch their breasts A sample of 36 registered nurses in the United States was asked to perform BSE on three separate occasions using a BEFD made of latex, paper or cloth on which a wedge pattern for BSE had beenimprinted Subjects found the BEFD to be a useful tool for teaching/learning BSE, and expressed a clear preference for the latex material One size of BEFD is not adequate for all women A smaller size for women who wear A and B cup-size bras, and a larger size for women who wear C cup size and above, would be more acceptable     

Health beliefs and self breast examination in black women

The relationship between health beliefs and practice of breast self examination (BSE) in a sample of 179 black women, 20 to 49 years of age, was investigated. Health beliefs were operationalized by employing Champion's revised Health Belief Model Scale (1993) to collect data. Data analyses included multiple regression analysis to examine BSE behavior in relation to selected demographic attributes and health beliefs. Results indicated that health beliefs were much stronger in determining BSE performance for a given individual than were demographic characteristics. The frequency of BSE was related to increased perceived seriousness of breast cancer, benefits of BSE, and health motivation. Frequency of BSE was inversely related to perceived barriers.     

Relationship of self-concept, health locus of control, and perceived cancer treatment options to the practice of breast self-examination

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer for women in the United States. Recognition of the fact that no more than 40% of women practice breast self-exam (BSE) is of major concern in that BSE has been identified as one method of early detection. The factors that encourage or discourage women to perform BSE need to be identified. The current study investigated the relationships between women's practice of BSE, self-concept, locus of control, and knowledge of treatment options for breast cancer. One mammogram screening center provided the 235 subjects who completed the questionnaires. Subjects who practiced BSE more frequently had a slightly higher self-concept score and were more aware of breast cancer treatment options (r = 0.16, p less than 0.05). Weak correlations were found between chance locus of control and BSE frequency of practice (r = 0.22, p less than 0.05). The majority of subjects reported irregular BSE practice, both as to whether they practiced BSE on a monthly basis and as to the time of the month for BSE.     

Knowledge, practice, and risk of breast cancer among rural women in Korea

Abstract Breast cancer is the third leading cause of death among Korean women after stomach and cervical cancer. Furthermore, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing in contrast to decreasing trends of those two cancers described above. According to the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, in 1998, 6.1% of all cancers and 14.1% of cancers in women were breast cancers. Early detection of breast cancer can be achieved by performing periodic breast self-examinations (BSE), clinical breast examinations, and/or mammography. Women should perform early detection procedures such as BSE or mammography on a regular basis to detect breast cancer earlier. For the cost effectiveness of the program, the identification of high-risk groups should be conducted, and the provision of community programs for the early detection of breast cancers should be focused on high-risk groups. The present study was designed to classify the high-risk groups of breast cancer among rural women in Korea, to provide early detection of breast cancer programs. Breast cancer risk of each participant, aged 35–65 years and who reside in the Korean rural community including Kyungki-Do and Chungchongbuk-Do, was assessed utilizing the breast cancer risk appraisal instruments. The tool estimates the six risk factors including age, family history, personal breast disease history, breast-feeding experience, number of children, and frequency of fat intakes. Breast cancer-related knowledge and practices were also assessed. The study results identified a 1.5% high-risk group, 3.8% moderate-risk group, and 24.0% borderline-risk group. Approximately 30% of the respondents were above the borderline-risk groups, which indicate the need for systematic approach for breast cancer prevention and early detection in the community.     

Health beliefs,perceived self-efficacy,and breast self-examination among Thai migrants in Brisbane

BACKGROUND: Women in Thailand have a relatively low risk of developing breast cancer; however, death rates from breast cancer are increasing. Rates in many migrant groups are also known to be on the increase. Little is known about breast cancer screening, particularly breast self-examination (BSE), among Thai migrant women in other countries. In Australia, non-English-speaking-background migrants are known to be low users of preventive health services. AIMS: To investigate, using the health belief model (HBM) and self-efficacy as a theoretical framework, the use of BSE in a recent migrant group, Thai women in Australia, and to identify sociodemographic variables that influence the women's regular use of BSE. METHODS: In 1998, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 Thai women in Brisbane recruited through a snowball-sampling method, which used personal contacts and key persons within the Thai community. The study was approved by the University Human Ethics Review Committee. Data were collected through designed closed-ended questions. RESULTS: Only 25% of the women performed BSE regularly. HBM indices were strongly associated with BSE. Beliefs in high personal susceptibility to breast cancer strongly increased the likelihood of BSE. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, cues or triggers to undertake BSE and self-efficacy, or the ability to do BSE were found to be important determinants of regular BSE. Study limitations, including data collection methods, are discussed. CONCLUSION: A low percentage of women practised BSE regularly. The HBM is a useful framework for identifying factors influencing the use of BSE. Strategies that increase the confidence of women to undertake preventive health behaviour or increase self-efficacy are likely to increase their regular screening for breast cancer.     

The nurse's role in promoting breast awareness

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer affects up to one in 12 women in the UK. Breast awareness, which is advocated in place of routine breast examination, involves women becoming more familiar with their bodies. CONCLUSION: Nurses have a vital role to play in encouraging women to become more breast aware. Their health promotion activities in this area can have an important impact on the uptake of breast screening initiatives.     

Motivational factors in breast self-examination. Implications for nurses

Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important self-care activity for women to perform to maintain their life, health, and well-being. Although women are growing aware of the importance of breast self-examination, it appears that they lack sufficient motivation to perform it on a consistent basis. Nurses are ideal health professionals to motivate women to perform BSE because of their knowledge, their supportive-educative role, and their numbers located in various settings. The purpose of this article is to identify how nurses can direct their efforts in the promotion of BSE practice through the use of Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. This article will also explore, through the application of the PRECEDE Model, how nurses can develop effective strategies to increase the consistent practice of BSE in women.     

Using a community-based outreach program to improve breast health awareness among women in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based health education program via a mobile van to promote the awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) practice among women in Hong Kong. DESIGN: One group pretest/posttest design. SAMPLE AND MEASUREMENTS: Seven hundred and seventy-seven women in Hong Kong completed a self-administered questionnaire before and after a breast health education program from May 2002 to March 2003. RESULTS: About half were aware of breast health and breast diseases (53.7%) and breast screening methods (48.6%) before the intervention. It was found that women who had received instruction on BSE practice, and those who were aware of breast screening methods, breast health, and breast diseases were more likely to have had prior BSE practice. Most indicated their willingness to practice BSE regularly (93.3%) and to pass on the BSE knowledge to their relatives and friends (92%) in the posttest. CONCLUSIONS: The outreach health education program has successfully reached women living in the 18 districts in Hong Kong. It appears to be useful in raising the awareness of breast health and BSE practice among the women, but longer term follow-up is required to ascertain its sustainability.     

Effectiveness of breast self-examination nursing interventions for Taiwanese community target groups

BACKGROUND: Because of the increasing morbidity and mortality from breast cancer, the Health Department in Taiwan in 1992 has identified early detection of breast cancer as one of the national health objectives. The effectiveness of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) in detecting breast cancer depends not only on frequency, but also on accuracy. This study explored the effects of nursing intervention on the BSE intention, BSE frequency and BSE accuracy among beauticians as community target groups. DESIGN: This study was comprised of two stages. In the first stage, 198 beauticians in Taipei County were surveyed. Those women with perceived barrier scores > or =15 points in the first stage were selected for the second stage with the quasi-experimental design. The experimental group was provided with BSE instruction for the enhancement of BSE competence, personalized strategies to reduce barriers to BSE and monthly telephone reminders after BSE instruction class for 3 months. The study instruments were Champion's BSE questionnaire, Lashley's 15 BSE steps and BSE items of social norm referenced Lierman et al. RESULTS: The mean age of the 198 beauticians was 28 (+/-8.6), the mean year of education was 10 (+/-2.4) and 60% of participants were married. The results of the study indicate that the program significantly increased BSE frequency, BSE accuracy, perceived benefit of BSE, perceived competence in BSE and decreased perceived susceptibility to breast cancer and perceived barriers to practice BSE. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the perceived competency, susceptibility and social normative influence accounted for 25% of the variance in BSE intention. Perceived competency and social normative influence accounted for 15% of the variance in BSE frequency, while intention, social normative influence and perceived competency accounted for 21% of the variance in BSE accuracy.     

A study of breast self examination beliefs: implications for worksite education programs.

1. There is convincing evidence that the mortality rate for breast cancer could be decreased if women would perform breast self examination (BSE) regularly. 2. The effectiveness of BSE educational programs depends on an accurate understanding of beliefs and attitudes that affect a woman's decision to perform or not perform regular BSE. 3. Using a decision model called the Multiattribute Utility Model as a guiding framework, four variables were identified as having significant influence on a group of working women's BSE decision: daily activities as another means of knowing, health consequences, likelihood of disease, and too much time to do. 4. Incorporating the knowledge gained from this study into the BSE educational programs at worksites will maximize the likelihood that program participants will increase their participation in BSE as an early detection technique.