    
|
BE BREAST AWARE > How is this related to Breast Self-Examination?
HOW IS THIS RELATED TO BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION?
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) tends to refer to a standardized technique of examining one’s breasts in a particular way. This usually involves following a prescribed pattern (such as a grid or clock pattern) of touching the breast on a specific monthly schedule. BSE is typically promoted as a way of screening for breast cancer, with the implication being that it will reduce breast cancer mortality. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support any of the specific BSE methods or the assertion that BSE reduces breast cancer mortality rates.
Despite the evidence that breast self-examination was not found to be an effective breast cancer screening method, there continues to be a need and a benefit for people to have information about breast health and breast cancer, including information on becoming breast aware.
Current scientific evidence supports a broad “be breast aware” approach. This approach is an attempt to provide tools for people to check their breasts and to know what sorts of changes to look for. Breast awareness encourages people to think about their breast health, to know their own bodies and breasts, and to report any changes in their breasts to a doctor. A “be breast aware” approach acknowledges the limitations of BSE that have been identified through research. It does not make claims about correct techniques or frequency for self-exams or imply benefits regarding BSE that are not backed up by evidence.
The “be breast aware” approach is informed by the research findings presented in the 2001 report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health entitled “Preventive Health Care, 2001 Update: Should Women be Routinely Taught Breast Self-Examination to Screen for Breast Cancer?” (1)
The Task Force analyzed research studies to determine the following:
- Whether there was evidence for an effective standardized BSE technique;
- Whether there was evidence supporting an effective way to teach a standardized BSE technique; and
- Whether BSE contributed to reduced mortality from breast cancer as an effective early detection breast cancer screening method.
Insufficient or inconclusive evidence was found in each area.
(1) Baxter, Nancy, with the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health. “Preventive Health Care, 2001 Update: Should Women be Routinely Taught Breast Self-Examination to Screen for Breast Cancer?” Canadian Medical Association Journal 2001; 164 (13): 1837-46.
|
|
|
|
