Excessive breast self-examination may promote anxiety

An application of an extended health belief model to the prediction of breast self‐examination among women with a family history of breast cancer

“…Similar results have been reported in previous applications of the HBM in relation to BSE (Calnan & Rutter, 1986; Champion, 1990) and other health behaviours (e.g. Mullen et al , 1987; Quine et al , 1998). However, it is noteworthy that the perceived barriers and perceived benefits measures still emerged as significant predictors even when accounting for the impact of past behaviour.…”

“…To date, there have been relatively few applications of the HBM that have also assessed the impact of past behaviour (e.g. Mullen, Hersey, & Iverson, 1987; Quine, Rutter, & Arnold, 1998). This is surprising given that past behaviour is typically found to be the strongest predictor of future behaviour when considered in conjunction with other models of health behaviour such as the theory of planned behaviour (e.g.…”

“…Alternatively, excessive BSE may lead to the detection of more benign lesions and thereby expose women to unnecessary anxiety and medical investigation (Frank & Mai, 1985). This heightened anxiety may, in turn, lead to continued over-performance of BSE (McCaul, Schroeder, & Reid, 1996;Moore, 1999). These issues may be particularly relevant among women with a family history of breast cancer (Lerman et al, 1995).…”

Breast self‐examination and breast awareness: a literature review

“…Chalmers and Luker (1996) used the constant comparison technique to analyse their data and carried out procedures, including independent recoding of data, to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Moore (1999), commenting in The Lancet , suggests that women with a family history of breast cancer find BSE counterproductive because it increases anxiety. Women need to be aware of their own breasts and understand that to have lumps can be normal.…”

“…improve health and secure the greatest possible gain from the available resources. It is clear from the evidence that BSE is not clinically effective, it does not reduce mortality and in the majority of women it engenders fear (Moore 1999, Kosters & Gotzsche 2003). In relation to breast awareness The RCN in addressing the confusion surrounding the breast health issue published an educative document for nurses in 2002 entitled Breast palpation and breast awareness .…”