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Study: Breast Self-Exams Don't Improve Cancer Survival

They increase biopsies of benign lumps

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 16, 2008 11:55 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Breast self-examinations, long recommended to women to detect early signs of breast cancer, serve no purpose, according to a review of the latest research. WebMD reports that 10-year studies of 388,500 women in Russia and China showed no improvement in survival rates from the self-exams, but revealed an added risk of unnecessary biopsies.

Says one researcher and doctor: "You know what? We've been relying on things that don't work that well, and we really have to start demanding something that works better." So what can women do? The review encourages them to still note any changes in their breasts, and to get medical attention quickly.

Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts discovered a lump that turned out to be breast cancer during a self-examination.
"Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts discovered a lump that turned out to be breast cancer during a self-examination.   (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)
Limited edition pink ribbon welcome mat specially designed for Carpet One Floor & Home.
Limited edition pink ribbon welcome mat specially designed for Carpet One Floor & Home.   (AP Photo)
A doctor uses special glasses to review breast images with a 3-D mammogram.
A doctor uses special glasses to review breast images with a 3-D mammogram.   (AP Photo/BBN Technologies)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice greets participants of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure . New resarch says breast self-examinations, long recommended to women, serve no purpose.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice greets participants of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure . New resarch says breast self-examinations, long recommended to women, serve no purpose.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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Breast self-examinations may do 'more harm than good'
Guardian (UK)

Do breast self-exams do any good?
Time

Health • US

 
breast cancer • American Cancer Society • Good Morning America • Robin Roberts • breast self examination • Cochrane Library • Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation • biopsies

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