Breast Self-Exam Controversy

Should Women Do Them or Not?

New research published in The Cochrane Library states that the practice of breast self exams – on its own – may do more harm than good. Cindy Geoghegan, executive advisor for scientific community relations for Komen for the Cure has stated, "a breast self exam by itself doesn’t increase survival and it never did, but as part of a comprehensive plan for women for early detection," that includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle and knowing your medical history, “we’re not going to say don’t do it.”  Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends the following:

1. Know your risk

• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at  
     40

3. Know what is normal for you - each month look at yourself in the mirror and feel your entire chest area, including under your arms and breasts in the shower. If you do this on a monthly basis, if something is different in the future, you will know.

See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake