Researchers say breast self-exams don’t reduce cancer deaths
July 18th, 2008, 11:30 am · Post a Comment · posted by Colin Stewart
FIGHTING CANCER
Researchers are questioning the value of women’s breast self-examinations — a long-accepted and widely advocated practice.
The self-exams may be doing more harm than good, according to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, since women who perform the exams end up undergoing so many biopsies that identify no cancers.
The researchers did not make clear what they suggest women should do instead of self-exams, and they suggested that women should remain on guard against potentially dangerous changes in breast tissue.
But after reviewing studies of 388,535 women in Russia and China, researchers from the international Cochrane Center concluded that self-exams do not reduce breast cancer deaths.
Many doctors still recommend them, however.
For example, Science Daily reported:
Carolyn Runowicz, director of The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center, encourages women to do the self-exams if they are comfortable with them, noting that 50 percent to 60 percent of women detect their own breast masses.
The blog Cancer Commentary drew a different conclusion: “The moral of this story really is: get a second or third opinion.”
Even the researchers who said “At present, screening by breast self-examination or physical examination cannot be recommended” remained in favor of women remaining vigilant:
Women should, however, be aware of any breast changes. It is possible that increased breast awareness may have contributed to the decrease in mortality from breast cancer that has been noted in some countries. Women should, therefore, be encouraged to seek medical advice if they detect any change in their breasts that may be breast cancer.
Related links:
- Science Daily list of previous stories on cancer screening and diagnosis.
