Relationship of age to factors influencing breast self-examination practice

Although breast cancer is more prevalent in older women, breast self-examination (BSE) is often done less frequently. A correlational study was undertaken to investigate variables related to BSE behavior in women from three age groups: women 35 to 44, women 45 to 54, and women 55 and older. Attitudinal variables specified by several theoretical models (susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, health motivation, control, confidence, and knowledge) were assessed. The probability sample consisted of 322 women who were contacted via random-digit dialing; data were then collected via mailed questionnaires. Results indicated differences in significant variables depending on age group. In the oldest age group, barriers was the only significant variable, but for women 45 to 54, confidence and barriers were both significantly related to BSE. The youngest age group, women aged 35 to 44, showed significant relationships with susceptibility, seriousness, barriers, confidence, and knowledge. Results indicate there may need to be different approaches for increasing BSE depending upon the age of the woman.