A review of studies conducted on efficacy of health educational interventions to correct women's behavior in performing breast self-examination

Many training programs have been conducted, aiming to encourage women to perform breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer. This study aimed to review studies performed on efficacy of educational interventions to correct women’s behavior in breast self-examination. Through systematic search of MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science databanks to retrieve titles and abstracts of articles containing results of educational interventions associated with women’s breast self-examination, the articles that focused on determining efficacy of educational interventions were selected. Eventually, results obtained from reviewing full text of 19 selected articles were analyzed. The majority of educational programs were designed for training skills, and most trainers were healthcare staff, and in some cases, educators were made up of peers and families of breast cancer patients. A huge diversity was observed in studies in terms of demographics, such as age, race, education, and occupation, and in some cases, first degree relatives of breast cancer patients were educated as the most important at-risk group. Teaching breast self-examination, with regard to knowledge, attitude, and behavior, plays an essential role in increasing cases of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. More effective education is provided by nurses and other medical staff compared to doctors. Attention to finding a suitable location for education, including healthcare centers and workplace, attributes to success.