No Breast Cancer Survival Benefits From Self-Exams?
Despite all the hype surrounding breast self-examinations as a means to save your life, a recent report from Russia’s Nordic Cochrane Center says there is no survival benefit. By looking at 388,000 women in both Russia and China, researchers found that the same number of women in the self-exam group were diagnosed with breast cancer as the women in the group who did not do self-exams. Also noted was an odd finding: Women who practiced self-exams were more likely to receive biopsies—medical tests involving the removal of cells for examination—many of which turned out not to be cancer.
While the study does not promote self-exams, researchers do suggest
women pay attention to changes in their breasts–inverted nipples, fluid
leaking from the nipples and intense itching—and seek prompt medical
treatment.
RH says that regardless of this report’s findings, remember that breast exams are up to you and have worked as a breast cancer prevention method for some women. To learn more about breast cancer screening and treatment, visit breastcancer.org.
Scroll down to comment on this story.
Previous Comments:
Please click OK to confirm your comment and confirm you accept our posting rules. Note your message will be reviewed by our staff before going live.
