Breast self examination: use of a visual reminder to increase practice

1. Breast cancer, the most common type of cancer affecting women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, will affect more than 10% of the female population of this country. 2. Breast self examination (BSE), known to be an effective component of a three part breast health program which includes physical examination and mammography, is not practiced consistently by American women. 3. A convenient memory aid serving as a visual stimulus, combined with appropriate educational materials, is effective in increasing both the knowledge of breast health and the frequency of BSE practice.