Abstract
BackgroundBreast cancer is a major threat to Taiwanese women's health. Despite the controversy surrounding the effectiveness of breast self-examination (BSE) in reducing mortality, BSE is still advocated by some health departments. The aim of the study is to provide information about how women decide to practice BSE and their experiences through the training process. Sixty-six women aged 27-50 were recruited.MethodsA descriptive study was conducted using small group and individual in-depth interviews to collect data, and using thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques for data analysis.ResultsIt was found that a sense of self-security became an important motivator for entering BSE training. The satisfaction in obtaining a sense of self-security emerged as the central theme. Furthermore, a ladder motivation model was developed to explain the participants' motivations for entering BSE training. The patterns of motivation include opportunity taking, clarifying confusion, maintaining health, and illness monitoring, which were connected with the risk perception for breast cancer.ConclusionsWe recognize that the way women decide to attend BSE training is influenced by personal and social factors. Understanding the different risk assessments women rely on in making their health decisions is essential. This study will assist researchers and health professionals to gain a better understanding of alternative ways to deal with breast health, and not to be limited by the recommendations of the health authorities.
Highlights
Breast cancer is a major threat to Taiwanese women's health
How do women face the threat of breast cancer? Our findings indicated that women's participation in breast self-examination (BSE) training was a purposeful action
But I am still so nervous when asking for a sonogram examination." (C65) As we have revealed more disadvantages in current medicine practice, so the lack of humanity in medical practice has become a vital issue for the women. 3-3 Benefits of BSE Regarding to the perceived benefits of BSE as a protective strategy, most participants in this group know well that BSE can be helpful in finding the breast problem because their relatives and friends found the breast cancer by self-examination
Summary
Breast cancer is a major threat to Taiwanese women's health. Despite the controversy surrounding the effectiveness of breast self-examination (BSE) in reducing mortality, BSE is still advocated by some health departments. Baxter [1] announced that women no longer need to examine their breasts This has influenced the policies of some medical organizations, such as the American Cancer Society (ACS). The guidelines from the Department of Health in Taiwan encouraged women to do BSE monthly, but the media and physicians only encouraged women to participate in an annual examination in the hospital with clinical palpation or mammography, and purposely told their clients that the monthly BSE might be useless. These inconsistent guidelines increased the uncertainty of women making a decision regarding BSE
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
