Effect of Education on the Sustainability of Breast Self-Examination among Health Care Volunteers in Kerman, Iran

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among females. Breast self-examination leads to early diagnosis and better prognosis of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of education on the sustainability of breast self-examination practice among health care volunteers in Kerman, Iran. This experimental study included all female health care volunteers of Baghodrat Health Center, Kerman, Iran (n = 35). A checklist was used to monitor their practice of breast self-examination before and after the first, second, and third stages of education. Dunnett’s test and related samples analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the collected data. Scores of practicing breast self-examination were significantly different before and after education (P < 0.001). In other words, education was beneficial and increased the scores. After two years, the scores were still significantly higher than before education. Education has a significantly positive and sustained effect on the practice of breast self-examination.