From attending a class on breast self-examination (BSE) to coping with breast cancer: the experiences of eight women.

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of three methods of teaching breast self-examination (BSE). It involved 587 women who were followed for six years. During the follow-up period, eight women developed breast cancer. These women were interviewed to determine their care-seeking behaviours. Generally speaking, they identified the first sign of the problem themselves; most sought attention fairly soon after detection; some received a diagnosis immediately, while others experienced considerable delay. They were not particularly well-informed about their treatment options but were fairly well-informed regarding their diagnosis and treatment plan. Four women continue to be well, while four have had a recurrence. Of those having a recurrence, three are deceased, and one remains well. The findings in this study support the need to address (1) women's presentation of symptoms once discovered, and (2) the health care system's response to women who do present on the basis of findings through BSE.