Learn about breast self-exams for women aged 40-69, examining their effectiveness, potential harms, and the importance of doctor-recommended screenings for early breast cancer detection and improved survival.
Is breast self-examination helpful during the decades between ages 40 and 69? The recommendation is a monthly self-exam, usually done by hand, to feel for any lumps or changes. This aims to improve early detection of breast cancer, which can reduce cancer spread and improve survival rates.
However, researchers have extensively questioned the value of breast self-exams, particularly regarding the effectiveness of physical breast exams. They suggest that these exams may not be as crucial as initially believed for women between 40 and 69. The study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Researchers analyzed data from seven different studies involving over 700,000 women, evaluating the impact of self-exams on survival rates. The analysis considered factors like lump detection, the number of biopsies performed due to cancer concerns, and psychological effects related to self-exam practices. The research included studies conducted between 1966 and 2000. None of the analyses found significant differences in survival rates or the extent of cancer spread between women who regularly performed self-exams and those who did not.
Moreover, the researchers believe that self-exams might not only fail to save lives but could potentially cause harm. False positives can lead to unnecessary surgeries, adding to the emotional stress for women undergoing self-exams. Factors like fear, anxiety, and potential false reassurance may negatively influence women in this age group, potentially leading to increased worry and stress.
Consequently, related sources suggest that the public should be informed about what those who favor the self-exam recommend, while also stressing the importance of focusing on proven approaches for monitoring and examinations done by doctors.
breast self-examination, breast cancer, early detection, survival rates, women’s health, cancer screening
