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.