Evaluation of a breast examination facilitation device

Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended in order to help women detect possible breast cancer early in its development. Correct BSE performance has been shown to be positively associated with breast lump detection ability. Few women, however, report practising BSE, citing reasons such as: dislike of touching one's own breasts, fear of finding a lump, lack of confidence in their ability to perform BSE. The purpose of this study was to test a breast examination facilitation device (BEFD) for women, which would provide a teaching/screening tool, as well as a shield between breast and fingers for women who are reluctant to touch their breasts. A sample of 36 registered nurses in the United States was asked to perform BSE on three separate occasions using a BEFD made of latex, paper or cloth on which a wedge pattern for BSE had been imprinted. Subjects found the BEFD to be a useful tool for teaching/learning BSE, and expressed a clear preference for the latex material. One size of BEFD is not adequate for all women. A smaller size for women who wear A and B cup-size bras, and a larger size for women who wear C cup size and above, would be more acceptable.