Fifty women with a history of breast lumps, and fifty control women matched for age and educational level, were administered a self-report questionnaire to determine knowledge of breast cancer, frequency and proficiency of breast self-examination (BSE), and health beliefs relating to BSE. Although women with previous breast lumps were more knowledgeable about breast cancer than those without, the two groups did not differ in attitudes or preventive behaviours. Overall knowledge of cancer and of BSE practice was low. This suggests a need for educational campaigns to increase knowledge and awareness, as a first step towards behaviour change, and a need for research to identify more effective predictors of BSE practice.

The Direct Instruction Corrective Reading Program Comprehension B was taught to an experimental group of 31 Year 6 students at the rate of 2 or 3 lessons per week for 8 months. A comparison group of 26 Year 6 students at an associated school were involved in a variety of literacy activities for equivalent periods of time. The ACER Tests of Learning Ability for Year 6 students were administered to all participants as a pre-test and a post-test. Analyses of the post-test data indicated that the experimental group was superior to the comparison group on the three subtests and the total score. Norm-referenced comparisons showed that the experimental group attained above average levels of performance, which contrasted with the average achievements of the comparison group. This differential was interpreted as evidence that the experimental group made educationally significant gains as a result of undertaking Corrective Reading Comprehension B.

This study assessed the capacity of modelling videotapes to promote Pap smear screening. A total of 245 women watched videotapes modelling the process of Pap smear testing, and completed pre- and post-questionnaires which assessed knowledge and attitudes relating to Pap smears and cervical cancer. 186 also completed follow-up questionnaires five weeks later. Behavioural effects were strong. One third of those women identified as due for a Pap smear reported having had the test by follow-up. Initial levels of knowledge of Pap smears and of risk factors for cervical cancer were low, but increased significantly at post-test and follow-up. Health Belief Model variables, particularly perceived barriers, were associated with reported Pap smear behaviour, but a large proportion of the variance remained unexplained. The results suggest that modelling videotapes of this type, combined with appropriate encouragement and reassurance from medical practitioners, could significantly increase Pap smear rates and thus increase the detection and treatment of cervical cancer in its early stages.