ARTICLES Randomized Trial of Breast Self-Examination in Shanghai: Final Results

Background: Among women who practice breast self-examination (BSE), breast cancers may be detected when they are at an earlier stage and are smaller than in women who do not practice BSE. However, the efficacy of breast self-examination for decreasing breast cancer mortality is unproven. This study was conducted to determine whether an intensive program of BSE instruction will reduce the number of women dying of breast cancer. Methods: From October 1989 through October 1991, 266 064 women associ-ated with 519 factories in Shanghai were randomly assigned to a BSE instruction group (132 979 women) or a control group (133 085 women). Initial instruction in BSE was fol-lowed by reinforcement sessions 1 and 3 years later, by BSE practice under medical supervision at least every 6 months for 5 years, and by ongoing reminders to practice BS