Breast Cancer and Women in Prison: Preventive Attitudes and Risk Factors

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a pilot study of 50 female prison inmates in Florida. A nurse administered a questionnaire to assess inmates’ risk factors and attitudes about preventive health care for breast cancer. Findings indicate that these women are at high risk for poor health and the development of breast cancer. Only half of the women reported that they perform breast self-exams and many reported they did not know the proper technique for performing a breast self-exam. The inmates were found to have minimal knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer and poor compliance with screening recommendations. This pilot project demonstrates that female prison inmates could benefit from health education activities, especially as they relate to breast cancer.