ABCF's Position on Breast Self-Exam
A study published in the October 2, 2003 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute came to the conclusion
that Breast Self-Exam (BSE) instruction does not result
in earlier detection of breast cancer or reduced mortality.
The Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation's role is to educate
women on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast
cancer. We believe that women should know all information
available and along with their healthcare provider make
their own decision on BSE.
The following are summaries (with links) of the positions
of well-respected cancer organizations.
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Self-Exam Summaries
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National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
"NBCCF does not support efforts to promote and teach Breast
Self-Exam (BSE) on a population-wide level in any age group
of women. NBCCF does not support any public health intervention
until there is good scientific evidence that the benefits
outweigh the risks. The Coalition believes that there is
insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the practice
of BSE on an individual level. If a woman wishes to be taught
BSE, she must be informed of the potential risks and benefits.
NBCCF is not recommending that women stop practicing BSE.
The decision of whether or not to practice BSE must be made
individually. However, if a women wishes to be taught BSE,
she must be informed of the potential risks and benefits."
Full
text of NBCCF's position
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American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) still supports the practice
of Breast Self-Exam (BSE) by women over age 20. The ACS
encourages women to discuss the proper methods for BSE with
their healthcare providers. Robert Smith, PhD, director
of cancer screening and Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of
breast and cervical cancer at the American Cancer Society,
said that further years of follow-up of the women in this
study were needed. It may be too early to see a change in
the death rate.
Full
text of ACS's BSE position and comment on this study.
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Dr. Susan Love, M.D.
"Does breast self-exam have any value at all? Possibly.
Though it doesn't save lives, there may be other benefits.
For example, it can be a way to become acquainted with your
body-- a pleasant and worthwhile activity. In addition it
may help find the cancer a little bit earlier, when the
lump isn't too large, and therefore help create a better
cosmetic result from a lumpectomy.....[But] I am opposed
to investing money in a technique that has not been shown
to change mortality. And I am opposed to using breast self-exam
as an excuse for not finding better methods of early detection."
Full
text of Dr. Susan Love's op-ed piece
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Cancer Therapy and Research Center
"As advocates of early detection, the
Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) recommends three
methods to be performed routinely in conjunction with each
other but that are not mutually exclusive. A yearly mammogram
after age 40, an annual clinical breast examination by a
health care professional, and a monthly breast self-examination
for women beginning at age 20 are the three methods. In
every case, consultation with a healthcare professional
is recommended." - John Williams, Director of Communications.
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