Effect of breast self-examination techniques on the risk of death from breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the effect of breast self-examination (BSE) technique and frequency on the risk of death from breast cancer.


METHODS
Case-control study nested within the Canadian National Breast Screening Study (NBSS).


METHODS
The Canadian NBSS, a multicentre randomized controlled trial of screening for breast cancer in Canadian women.


METHODS
The case subjects were 163 women who had died from breast cancer and 57 women with distant metastases. Ten control subjects matched by 5-year age group, screening centre, year of enrolment and random allocation group were randomly selected for each case subject.


METHODS
Self-reported BSE frequency before enrolment in the NBSS, annual self-reports of BSE frequency during the program and annual objective assessments of BSE technique.


METHODS
Odds ratios (ORs) associated with BSE practice were estimated by conditional multiple logistic regression modelling, which permitted control of covariates.


RESULTS
Relative to women who, when assessed 2 years before diagnosis, examined their breasts visually, used their finger pads for palpation and examined with their 3 middle fingers, the OR for death from breast cancer or distant metastatic disease for women who omitted 1, 2 or 3 of these components was 2.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30 to 3.71, p = 0.003). The OR for women who omitted 1 of the 3 components was 1.82 (95% CI 1.00 to 3.29, p = 0.05), for those who omitted 2 of the 3 components, 2.84 (95% CI 1.44 to 5.59, p = 0.003), and for those who omitted all 3 components, 2.95 (95% CI 1.19 to 7.30, p = 0.02). The results remained unchanged after adjustment for potential confounders.


CONCLUSIONS
The results, obtained with the use of prospectively collected data, suggest that the performance of specific BSE components may reduce the risk of death from breast cancer.
Harvey
B J
BJ
Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ont.
Miller
A B
AB
Baines
C J
CJ
Corey
P N
PN
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000379:methods*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires