Effects of education and support on breast self-examination in older women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an educational program and structured support on breast self-examination (BSE) frequency, proficiency, and perceived control in middle-aged and older women at 6 and 12 months after instruction. Women were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (a) no-support control group; (b) peer support group; and (c) selected partner support group. All women received the same instructional program. Women assigned to peer and selected partner support groups received additional reinforcement from their partners to perform BSE for the next 6 months. There were significant differences between the initial interview and 6-month scores on BSE frequency, expert and self-rating of proficiency, and perceived skill. Self and expert ratings of proficiency and perceived skill continued to increase at 12 months postinstruction. No significant differences were found among the three support treatment groups.