Breast self-examination practices and attitudes among breast cancer, benign breast disease and general practice patients

Abstract

Beliefs, attitudes, intentions, perceived barriers, benefits and past experience of breast self-examination (BSE) and perceived susceptibility to breast cancer were explored among female samples of breast cancer patients (n = 117), benign breast disease patients (n = 208) and general practice controls (n = 329). Benign disease patients reported the highest level of monthly BSE in the year preceding the survey (49%), followed by cancer patients (34%) and controls (32%). Family history of breast cancer was associated with prior BSE practice only in the breast cancer sample. Among benigns and controls, who were asked to rate their perceived risk of developing breast cancer, no association was f..