Breast self-examination among Swedish women: a survey of frequency, knowledge, and attitudes

Breast cancer is a common cause of death among women. The aim of this study was to determine whether women carry out regular breast self-examination (BSE), and to describe their knowledge of, and attitudes towards, breast cancer. Questionnaires were mailed to 200 randomly selected women who had not undergone breast cancer surgery. The response rate was 81%. The respondents were divided in three groups: those who practiced BSE regularly, those who practiced BSE occasionally, and those who did not practice BSE. The results show that only 10% of the sample practice BSE. Neither age, educational background, nor occupation, nor having knowledge of breast disease and medical outcome was associated with BSE practice. Nor did having a close relative or friend with breast cancer affect the practice of BSE.