Comparative analysis of breast self examination (BSE), breast awareness (BA), and the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP)
| Frequency | What to look out for | Who does it? | Where? | How? | Concept of normality and target | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSE | Monthly | Lumps, thickening, etc, that can be seen and felt | Woman | Lying on a bed, in the bath, etc | Systematic looking and feeling, as taught | Clinical individual |
| BA | Daily | Changes “unusual for you” that can be seen and felt | Woman | During personal hygiene (bath, shower, while dressing) | Looking and feeling (including sensations of discomfort) | Personal individual |
| NHSBSP | Every three years, women aged 50–64 who fulfil eligibility criteria | “small changes” invisible to women | Radiographer | NHS screening unit | X ray | Cellular population |