A peer education model for teaching breast self-examination to undergraduate college women

The incidence of breast cancer in women continues to rise, and there is no known cause or prevention. Additionally, > 70% of all diagnosed breast cancer has no known risk factor involved. Early detection is mandatory for survival from this disease, but only three imperfect methods are available: mammography, clinical examination, and breast self-examination (BSE). One-third of all breast cancer cases occur in women under the age of 50 years, and this is a period when mammography is ineffective and clinical examination is infrequent. Consequently, BSE is highly significant for this age group. However, women do not perform BSE on a consistent monthly basis. The significant developmental characteristic of late adolescence and young adulthood is the formation of a personal identity. This age group is also heavily influenced by their peers. Therefore, a BSE program that incorporates peer education and elements essential to positive identity formation may be an effective means to establishing BSE as a normal health routine in young women.