Women's responses to detection of breast lumps: a British study

Abstract

THE ROLE of breast self examination (BSE) and knowledge about breast cancer in reducing delay in reporting breast abnormalities was assessed in 50 pre-menopausal women, using structured interview and questionnaire. No significant relationship was found between BSE and promptness of reporting, but one third believed they would have reported more promptly had they known about lumpectomy - a less drastic form of treatment for early stage breast cancer. This suggests that detection and presenta tion should be regarded as independent targets for health educators.