Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in women. Although it also occurs in men, the proportion is very small (1%). Even though not all causes of the disease are yet known, many risk factors can be influenced by individuals themselves. Breast cancer research assumes that around a quarter of today’s breast cancer cases could be prevented through a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to regular participation in screening examinations, breast self-examination is the most effective preventive measure.
Every woman should carry out a breast self-examination regularly and systematically in order to detect any changes in the breast as early as possible.

As part of the project, various digital information and education technologies are being developed which, within a protected space, provide very low-threshold, barrier-free and setting-independent virtual, specialised guidance to help women examine themselves.
This form of individual yet structured instruction does not currently exist. The technological prerequisites (Virtual Reality / VR) are available but must be adapted to the scientific and practical circumstances within the different healthcare systems of the Lake Constance (Euregio Bodensee) region.

The second component of the project involves collaboration with associations for blind and visually impaired people, health insurance providers, gynaecologists, breast cancer centres and cancer associations to establish and implement medical tactile breast examinations performed by visually impaired or blind women (MTUs) in the Lake Constance region.

The third component is the integration of qualified MTUs into teaching activities for healthcare professionals, such as the nursing degree programme at FHV and the nursing schools in the Lake Constance region.

The teaching materials developed for qualified breast self-examination will be made available free of charge to anyone interested, using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. Participating gynaecologists, breast cancer centres and health insurance providers will help connect interested individuals and support public outreach as part of workplace health promotion.