Comparison of Knowledge and Practices of Breast Self Examination (BSE): A Pilot Study in Turkey

Objectives: The aim of this descriptive study was to determine breast self examination (BSE) knowledgeand practice of middle-aged females. Methodology: The study population comprised over 40 year old women(n=252) and nurses (n=29) working in a total of seven family health centers in Bolu, Turkey. Data were obtainedthrough face to face interviews from September 2007 to January 2008.
Results: A highly significant relation wasidentified between increasing age in women and lack of BSE and improper practice of BSE steps (p<0.05), andbetween a higher degres of education and presence of breast cancer in the family and knowledge and practiceof BSE (p<0.05). On the other hand, it was found that 93.1% of the nurses involved in the study practicedBSE.
Conclusions: The findings from this study revealed that educational programs aimed at increasing olderwomen’s knowledge level of BSE are required and nurses, as medical professionals meeting women in variousenvironments, can play a key role in increasing women’s awareness about breast health.