The nurse's role in promoting breast awareness

Bailey, Karen EN(G), RGN, BSc(Hons)

Karen Bailey EN(G), RGN, BSc(Hons), is a support nurse, Tenovus Cancer Information Centre, Splott, Cardiff.

Date of acceptance: March 2 2000.

These key words are based on the subject headings from the British Nursing Index.

This article has been subject to double-blind review.

Nursing Standard 14(30):p 34-36, April 12, 2000.

Background

Breast cancer affects up to one in 12 women in the UK. Breast awareness, which is advocated in place of routine breast examination, involves women becoming more familiar with their bodies.

Conclusion

Nurses have a vital role to play in encouraging women to become more breast aware. Their health promotion activities in this area can have an important impact on the uptake of breast screening initiatives.