The effects of selected training procedures on breast self-examination competency in lower socioeconomic women

Three videotaped formats on breast self-examination and brief versus lengthy nodularity training were compared. Significant improvement (p {dollar}<{dollar}.01) in examination technique was noted after all videotapes and nodularity training.; Following the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Lange productions videotapes the mean percentage area covered and the percentage of lumps detected improved. After viewing the ACS or Lange productions videotape, followed by brief nodularity training, the mean percentage area covered improved further for both videotapes. However, the percentage of lumps detected (M = 28.3%) did not improve after the ACS videotape. The Mammatech Corporation videotape, which includes lengthy nodularity training, was equivalent to other methods in mean percentage area covered (M = 43%), but the percentage of lumps detected (M = 66.6%) was greater.; Early detection of breast cancer is the ultimate goal of effective BSE teaching methods. Consequently, longer teaching methods which include lengthy nodularity training may be preferable to short.