Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death among women worldwide. The course of breast cancer can be alerted through early detection through breast self-examination and prompt treatment. Breast self-examination is a readily available method and doesn't require a specialized personal or equipment. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of health education and training program for High Institute of Health students on breast self-examination. The study was carried out in High Institute of Health in Benghazi City in Libya [Nursing Department Students]. Sample of the study included 95 students aged from 21 to 26 years old from Benghazi City [urban and rural areas]. The quota sample approach was used. An educational training program concerned with breast self-examination was applied after testing their knowledge about breast cancer and breast self-examination. Re-evaluation of their knowledge and practices was done immediately after the implementation of the program [post-test], and for another time after 3 months [follow-up test] through the same predesigned questionnaire and checklist was conducted to estimate the student's knowledge and practice before the program.
The results revealed that all students had poor knowledge and practices scores, before the implementation of program and improved markedly after implementation of the program. There is a highly statistical significant difference between pre-test and post-test in knowledge and practices [P=0.000]. Forgetting may lower the percentages of the response in the follow up test but still the different between pre-test and follow-up test [P=0.000]. The study recommended that implantation of health education and training programs for nurses about breast self-examination in Libya, encourage breast self-examination that may be integrated as a part of health promotion program for female, breast self-examination programs must include appropriate cultural content and values that may discourage women and daughters for doing it.