The effectiveness of training for breast cancer and breast self-examination in women aged 40 and over

Background. Training on breast health is required to increase awareness of early detection of breast cancer, especially in countries with limited resources. Methods. Of the 784 invited women, 462 participated in the study (58.9%). The training included both theoretical and breast self-examination (BSE) training between preeducation and posteducation tests. Following the theoretical presentation, breast examination training was performed using a breast simulator. The competency of the participants on breast examination was assessed by an evaluation guide. Results. All breast cancer symptoms were stated at significantly higher rates compared to those before education (P <.05). The most commonly stated risk factor in both preeducation and posteducation tests was "no breast-feeding," with ratios of 15.2% and 56.3%, respectively. Early detection modalities for breast cancer were also stated more often in the posteducation test compared to the preeducation (P <.05). In the preeducation test, only 4.3% to 18.7% of the participant women could state most of the BSE steps. After BSE training, 85% to 92% of the participants were competent in BSE steps. Conclusions. Theoretical education on breast cancer and BSE training in low-educated women, even illiterate, is highly effective.