INTRODUCTION : Breast cancer is of global health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women.
Studies have shown that in most of the developing nations, breast cancer is diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease
and thus has a poor outcome and high fatality rate. Therefore, Breast self-examination (BSE) has been identified as the
only realistic approach in early detection of breast cancer in developing nations.
OBJECTIVES : To encourage the participants to perform Self Breast Examination at their residence.
To follow up the participants after 15 days for assessment of their training and for queries.
METHODS : The study was conducted among 100 women of 35 years and above attending a rural health and training centre.
They were given a basic training on self breast examination. Following which , they were followed up on the confidence of
Self Breast Examination.
RESULTS : 84 % women tried self breast examination at their residence after this training. 87 % of the women were
competent enough to perform self breast examination on their own. 42 % of women were confident to train self breast
examination to their mother/mother in law and daughters.
CONCLUSION : A high proportion of women tried self breast examination at their residence, were competent enough to
perform self breast examination on their own and were confident to train self breast examination to others. Hence, this
training program on a long run will help in early detection of breast lump.