Abstract:
Breast cancer can be more successfully treated with early detection through breast cancer screening which includes mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination (Champion & Miller, 1992; Salazar, 1994; Vietri, Poskitt, & Slaninka, 1997). However, less than 50% of American women practice monthly breast self-examination. The purpose of this study is to determine if perceived susceptibility, seriousness, barriers, benefits, health motivation, and confidence predict compliance with the practice of monthly breast self-examination by middle-aged women. The design is predictive and the Health Belief Model (HBM) is the framework. The random sample will consist of 100 women faculty members in a large Midwestern university setting. Permission will be obtained from Ball State University and the participating institution. The Breast Self Examination Behavior Scale (Champion, 1990) and the Champion Revised Health Belief Model Scales (1993) will be used for the study. This study is significant because findings will be utilized for patient education on breast self-examination compliance.