Comparison of two breast self-examination palpation techniques.
In this randomized clinical trial, we compared the vertical strip (VS) and the concentric circle (CC) patterns of breast palpation in order to determine which pattern provided the most thorough self-examination and the best lump detection in breast models. The sample consisted of 34 adult women from a Veterans Outpatient Clinic in the Northwest who were assigned according to breast size (large or small) to one of two groups. Subjects were pretested and randomly taught one method of palpation. Proficiency in the palpation technique, area covered, and number of lumps detected were evaluated. Interrater reliability for proficiency evaluation was 86%. During breast self-examination, the VS group covered significantly more area than the CC group (t = 2.72, p = 0.01). Breast size did not affect breast area covered. Lump detection using breast models did not differ between the two groups. Though this study did not support the conclusion that increased thoroughness leads to increased lump detection, there is support in the literature. Lack of difference in lump detection in this study may have been due to the constraints of the breast models used. However, further research is needed.