Evaluation of a breast self-examination (BSE) program in a breast diagnostic clinic

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of a breast self-examination (BSE) teaching program on women's knowledge about BSE, proficiency in performing BSE, and motivation to perform BSE. The program was developed for delivery by nurses in a breast diagnostic clinic, a clinic designed to meet the need for expeditious management of breast disease, current information about breast cancer risk, surveillance, and counselling. A convenience sample of 68 women attending the clinic in a regional cancer centre participated in a pre- and five month post-teaching program evaluation. The Toronto Breast Self Examination Instrument was used as the evaluation tool. There were statistically significant changes following the teaching program in the areas of knowledge about the correct technique for performing BSE, proficiency performing BSE, and confidence about finding changes when performing BSE. No significant changes were observed in motivation to practise BSE, although group scores did improve following the education. Participants found the video presentation and the review of BSE information pamphlets by the nurse to be the most helpful components of the BSE teaching program.