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) knowledge and 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 obtained through face to face interviews from September 2007 to January 2008.

Results: A highly significant relation was identified between increasing age in women and lack of BSE and improper practice of BSE steps (p<0.05), and between a higher degree of education and presence of breast cancer in the family and knowledge and practice of BSE (p<0.05). On the other hand, it was found that 93.1% of the nurses involved in the study practiced BSE.

Conclusions: The findings from this study revealed that educational programs aimed at increasing older women's knowledge level of BSE are required and nurses, as medical professionals meeting women in various environments, can play a key role in increasing women's awareness about breast health.