d: Breast cancer is a major threat to Taiwanese women's health. Despite the controversy surrounding the
effectiveness of breast self-examination (BSE) in reducing mortality, BSE is still advocated by some health departments.
The aim of the study is to provide information about how women decide to practice BSE and their experiences
through the training process. Sixty-six women aged 27-50 were recruited.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using small group and individual in-depth interviews to collect data, and
using thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques for data analysis.
Results: It was found that a sense of self-security became an important motivator for entering BSE training. The
satisfaction in obtaining a sense of self-security emerged as the central theme. Furthermore, a ladder motivation model
was developed to explain the participants' motivations for entering BSE training. The patterns of motivation include
opportunity taking, clarifying confusion, maintaining health, and illness monitoring, which were connected with the
risk perception for breast cancer.
Conclusions: We recognize that the way women decide to attend BSE training is influenced by personal and social
factors. Understanding the different risk assessments women rely on in making their health decisions is essential. This
study will assist researchers and health professionals to gain a better understanding of alternative ways to deal with
breast health, and not to be limited by the recommendations of the health authorities