Evaluation of Breast Self-examination Training in Turkish Women Living in Northwestern Turkey

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most significant health problems among the women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an examination method which is used by women to detect breast cancer as much early as possible. Training of women about BSE is crucial. METHODS: The current study was semi-experimentally single-group pretest-posttest designed in order to evaluate breast self-examination (BSE) training efficacy on Turkish women’s knowledge and skills. The study was performed on 119 Turkish women. The data were collected with a three questionnaires and BSE Training Skills Evaluation Form in three phases. RESULTS: 81.5% of the women did not perform BSE regularly. Rate of correct responses about knowledge on BC, risk factors and screening increased after posttest. Significant improvements were observed in the post-test (after training, after one month and three months training) scores for knowledge of Turkish women’ towards BC, risk factors and screening, steps of BSE after the intervention (p < 0.001). To quantify the efficiency of training, effect size (Cohen’s d) was derived. For knowledge and ability to do BSE scores, Cohen’s d was 1,01 ≤ with large effect size indicating highly effective impact of the training. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that BSE training is beneficial in women. However, women should receive regular BSE training to renew their knowledge and skills. Long follow-up is required.