Limited impact of the breast self-examination movement: a Latin American illustration

Analysis of data obtained through a survey of women in Monterrey, Mexico, indicates that the transfer of breast self-examination (BSE) technology from the medical community to the Monterrey public has been inefficacious. Only 1 in 200 women reported monthly breast self-examination performed correctly and at the optimal time of the month. Among women who reported examining their breasts monthly, transfer of BSE technology, whether by medical or non-medical sources, was unrelated to knowledge of correct time and method of BSE. Personal instruction of BSE technology by physician failed to produce the desired response since 80% of the respondents were taught BSE technique in 'one-shot', short sessions. The findings indicate that, ultimately, the success of BSE in improving disease outcomes rests with the medical community more than with the patient population. Success will only follow more intense initial instruction and persistent reinstruction of women in BSE. The implications of these findings for current research seeking to evaluate BSE influence on cancer outcomes are noted.