Interventions to enhance breast self-examination practice: a review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Breast self-examination (BSE) is a key strategy for early breast cancer detection.
• BSE offers a safe, low-cost, monthly assessment alternative to clinical breast examination and mammography.
• Research focuses on improving women's adherence and proficiency in performing BSE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review intervention studies aimed at promoting breast self-examination (BSE).
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies on BSE initiation, practice, and proficiency.
• To identify factors influencing long-term BSE adherence and skill maintenance.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 33 intervention studies on breast self-examination (BSE).
• Analysis of interventions varying in type, intensity, and outcome measures.
• Assessment of strategies for BSE initiation, frequency, and proficiency.

Main Results:

• More intensive interventions generally yield better outcomes in BSE practice.
• Information provision is adequate for BSE initiation but not for sustained practice or proficiency.
• Skills training and corrective feedback significantly enhance BSE proficiency.
• Prompts and reminder aids support long-term BSE frequency.

Conclusions:

• Intensified interventions, including skills training and feedback, are crucial for effective breast self-examination (BSE).
• Sustaining BSE practice requires strategies beyond basic information, such as prompts and reminders.
• Further research is needed to optimize motivational mechanisms and teaching methods for BSE proficiency and adherence.