Teaching of breast self examination. Is it practical?

In this study 348 patients attending outpatient clinics at Royal Hobart Hospital were interviewed, assessed in their breast self examination (BSE) technique, and taught BSE by the authors. A standard method of assessing BSE competence was devised applying the criteria outlined in a Tasmanian Cancer Committee brochure (Further reading) using a silicone breast examination teaching model. The measurable benefits of this form of teaching BSE were shown to persist for seven to 10 months in 11 women who re-attended clinics and were tested a second time after receiving instruction by the authors in the initial part of the study.