Breast Self-Exams-Are They Beneficial?

A Canadian task force has concluded that there is little evidence that breast self-exam (BSE) saves lives this was  after reviewing eight major studies on BSE. The group found that the number of false alarms and unnecessary biopsies produced by self-exams made it a harmful procedure. The study's authors' conclusions, which were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that performing regular BSEs was not improving the outcome of breast cancer diagnosis. Whether a lump was found by a woman who regularly examined her breasts or by regular screening by a doctor in women who did not examine their own breasts, the death rate remained relatively the same.The study's author also wrote that BSE creates a negative psychological impacts such as increased levels of worrying, anxiety and depression, and increased numbers of follow-up investigations because of false-positive findings. Although considered a relatively minor procedure, breast biopsy causes permanent scarring and may cause significant breast deformity and emotional distress.

Based on their findings, the group suggests that women stop performing BSE and that routine teaching of BSE be "excluded from the periodic health examination of women.

However,the American Cancer Society(ACS)  recommends that breast self exam( BSE) should be performed monthly beginning at age 20, as part of a three-part program. 

BSE's role in early detection is supporting -- but important. "According to Smith breast self-exam is useful before age 40 to help a woman learn what her breast feels like when it's normal. That  way, she can have an idea of whether a lump she encounters is something that she should see her doctor about. Smith further explains, that it can help with early detection of the small number of breast cancers found in that under 40 age group. After 40, we should not expect much added benefit from BSE, but we do expect a little, and that little is to provide a safety net for some women whose breast cancers aren't picked up by mammography. The bottom line is that in breast cancer, early detection is better than later detection, and BSE helps with early detection.

According to the director of breast and cervical programs at ACS",Debbie Saslow,Pd.D. ,Mammography and clinical breast exam [examination by a medical professional] have the greatest impact on reducing breast cancer mortality, and therefore should receive the most emphasis.