A 2- stage study was conducted to: (I) investigate the female Iranian’s on breast cancer and breast self – examination.
(II) Conduct a randomized trial on different invitation methods for attending breast self – examination classes in Tehran.
The following is a summary of the study and its findings.
I) A population – based study was carried out to investigate the female Iranian’s perception of breast cancer and self – reported practice of self – examination. A total of 1402 women were interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 43.4 (SD=1404) ears, most were married (85%) and without any personal (94%) and family history (90%) of breast problems. It was found that 64% of the respondents were familiar with breast cancer and 61% believed the disease is common in Iran. Most women (44%) perceived a painless mass as a breast cancer symptom. Overall, 61% of the respondents knew about breast cancer screening programmers and most indicated that electronic media (television 34% and radio 14%) were their source of information. Only 17% of women said that they are conducting regular breast self- examination. The main reason for women not doing breast self – examination was due to the fact that they did not know how to do it (64%). The findings indicated that performing breast self – examination is significantly related to: age (p=0.0006), marital status (p=1013), education (p<0.00001), knowledge of breast cancer (p<0.00001), but not to personal (p=02) and family (p=0.7) history of breast problems. For the first time this descriptive study provides useful information from a culturally diverse population that could be utilized by both researchers and those involved in public health in Iran.
II) Fallowing the stage one, an interventional was designed to promote women’s health. Thus, a series of educational breast self – examination classes was held. To invite women, they were randomly assigned to one of three methods of invitations: 1) Pamphlet 2) Pamphlet and information package 3) Pamphlet, information package and telephone.
Compliance frequency was measured by participation in educatonal classes and telephone contact the Iranian Center for Breast Cancer.
In all for 3 methods, 21000 invitations were made. The results indicated a very low response rates as follows: arm one: 0, arm tow: 0.3%, arm tree: 1%.
The findings that the above mentioned invitation methods do not work, although there were some benefits for those who attended in the educational programmes.
It seems that to encourage women in health initiatives there is need for better designed interventions.