[Results of phase I study of the effectiveness of self-examination in a program of early detection of breast cancer].

The paper deals with the results of the first phase of a WHO-sponsored study concerned with evaluation of the effectiveness of breast self-examination and carried out in Leningrad. The study was part of a program for early breast cancer diagnosis. 8,000 females were taught the procedure of self-examination. A randomized survey of a representative group of 400 females was conducted during the first 12 months using a special questionnaire. It was intended for evaluating the subjects' comprehension of the aims of the program, their attitude to it and their knowledge on cancer. Due to training as well as regular reminding, the percentage of women who practiced self-examination was as high as 75.1. The results of an analysis of refusals to carry out self-examination are presented.