Health education about breast cancer using television and doctor involvement

Abstract The effectiveness of a health education campaign about breast cancer was evaluated using a research design in which evidence of effect was sought from three perspectives. During a 12-month public education campaign, a population of over one million women was encouraged by television advertising and local doctors to practice regular breast self-examination (BSE). Results from three independent before-and-after surveys (of general population, of GPs' patients, of breast cancer patients) all show campaign-related changes. After the campaign, 13% more women in the general population and 6% more newly diagnosed breast cancer patients reported monthy BSE. In general practices, more breast examinations were done and more patients taught how to do BSE.