Importance of breast awareness in identification of breast cancer.

In a move to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer there was a shift in emphasis in 1991 away from breast self-examination to breast awareness. This article takes a close look at the background to this shift, the conflicting messages with regards to breast awareness, and the need to re-educate and empower nurses and other health professionals with the knowledge and confidence to teach the public about these issues. Breast Cancer Care plays a vital role in networking with nurses, other health professionals and the public to clarify the breast awareness message.