ABSTRACT
Breast self examination [BSE] is an easy and inexpensive method to screen breast cancer and unlike Mammography, BSE performing is widely possible in developing countries. The incidence rate of breast cancer is higher in developed countries but it is being increased in developing countries such as Iran as a result of lifestyle change and reproductive pattern similar to those in western countries thus affecting Iranian women at a younger age and at advanced stages. Due to the fact that BSE should perform monthly after the age 20, the aim of the present study was to determine instruction effect on students' knowledge and attitude of female students upon BSE. 174 students were selected by cluster random sampling and questionnaires were completed by interview. After that an instructional program was planned for them with the model being presented through live lecture. Finally the same questionnaires were completed again after 4 months by interview. The data were then analyzed by S.P.S.S software [ver10]. The mean scores of students' knowledge and attitude were significantly increased after education. [p<0.001]. These findings showed that Iranian students' knowledge of BSE is inadequate. It may be due to two causes: 1. there is no formal instructional programs about awareness of breast cancer for this age group in Iran. 2. As the students are unmarried and very young, they may rarely refer to health care centers. The importance of BSE has been highlighted and it is recommended that BSE instruction be put in the students' curriculum