What are the primary guidelines for a breast self-examination (BSE)?

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Last updated: February 22, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Women should be informed about the benefits and limitations of breast self-examination (BSE) and may choose to do BSE regularly, occasionally, or not at all, as there is no strong evidence supporting the value of BSE in reducing morbidity and mortality from breast cancer 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • The American Cancer Society recommends that women be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE, and the importance of prompt reporting of any new breast symptoms to a healthcare professional 1.
  • Women who choose to do BSE should receive instruction and have their technique reviewed on the occasion of a periodic health examination 1.
  • It is acceptable for women to choose not to do BSE or to do BSE irregularly, as the evidence for its effectiveness in reducing breast cancer morbidity and mortality is limited 1.
  • While BSE may help women become aware of changes in their breast tissue, it is not a substitute for mammograms or clinical breast exams, which are more effective in detecting breast cancer 1.

Recommendations for Practice

  • Healthcare providers should discuss the potential benefits and limitations of BSE with women and provide guidance on how to perform a BSE, if desired 1.
  • Women should be encouraged to report any new breast symptoms or changes to their healthcare provider promptly, regardless of whether they perform BSE or not 1.
  • Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams should be performed as recommended by the American Cancer Society, as these are more effective in detecting breast cancer and reducing morbidity and mortality 1.

From the Research

Primary Guidelines for Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

The primary guidelines for BSE are not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but some general information can be gathered:

  • There is no consensus on the effectiveness of BSE in reducing breast cancer mortality or detecting cancer at an earlier stage 2, 3.
  • BSE may lead to a higher number of diagnostic mammographies and biopsies with negative (benign) results 2, 3.
  • Women who perform BSE regularly may be more likely to detect breast abnormalities, but this does not necessarily translate to a reduction in breast cancer mortality 4, 5.
  • Nurses and healthcare providers play a crucial role in teaching BSE to patients, but their teaching behavior may be influenced by their own attitudes and beliefs about breast cancer and BSE 6.

Key Findings

  • A study published in 2022 found that there was no statistically significant difference between CBEs and BSEs in identifying cancer or positive ultrasound findings 4.
  • A study published in 2003 found that BSE did not reduce breast cancer mortality and may even lead to more biopsies with benign results 2.
  • A review article published in 2016 concluded that BSE does not reduce breast cancer mortality and is not effective in diagnosing cancer at an earlier stage 3.

Recommendations for BSE

  • Women should continue to perform BSE as it may help detect breast abnormalities, but they should be aware of the potential limitations and risks associated with BSE 4.
  • Healthcare providers should educate women on the proper technique and importance of BSE, as well as the potential benefits and risks associated with it 5, 6.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

3
Research

[Breast self-examination. Yes or no?].

Ceska gynekologie, 2016

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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