Vol. 10, Issue 8, Part B (2024)

Abstract
Context: Breast Self Examination is an effective tool to make the women aware regarding breast cancer and direct them for timely consultation with a doctor. Research has shown that the women who were diagnosed with breast cancer had consulted the doctor consequent to a felt mass in their breast followed by Breast Self Examination . Breast Self Examination is a screening method that should be taught at early ages to make the women aware about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. This can be performed without the assistance of health professionals and requires no special equipment. Despite these benefits and well-known efficacy of Breast Self Examination, a study conducted in Iran showed that only 6% of studied women had performed Breast Self Examination regularly. This study revealed that the most common reasons for not doing Breast Self Examination and not going for clinical examination were lack of knowledge and belief that Breast Self Examination was not necessary.