Breast self-examination and mammography among university staff and faculty

Women faculty and staff (N = 201) answered a series of questions about breast self-examination (BSE) and mammography. Although all subjects indicated familiarity with BSE, and two-thirds of them knew it should be practiced monthly, only 31% actually did so. Women who learned BSE from physicians or other health professionals reported more frequent BSE than those who learned from other sources. About one-third of respondents indicated that they would like to learn more about BSE; women health professionals were the most preferred learning source. Respondents indicated that they fail to do BSE because they do not remember to do it and reported that reminders would increase their likelihood of compliance. Of subjects age 40 and older, about four-fifths had had a mammogram. Those who had not had one reported that the cost of mammography was a significant barrier for them. These results are discussed and recommendations for practice and for future research are made.