From the Guidelines
Breast self-examination (BSE) is not recommended as a screening method for breast cancer in average-risk women due to the risk of harm from false-positive test results and a lack of evidence of benefit 1. The American College of Physicians and other organizations suggest that women should be counseled about breast self-awareness and encouraged to notify their health care provider if they experience a change, rather than performing regular BSE.
Key Points
- BSE is not recommended as a screening method for breast cancer in average-risk women
- Women should be counseled about breast self-awareness and encouraged to notify their health care provider if they experience a change
- The decision to perform BSE should be based on a shared decision-making approach that recognizes the uncertainty of additional benefits and the possibility of adverse consequences
- Mammography and clinical breast examination are recommended as screening methods for breast cancer, with guidelines varying depending on age and risk factors
Implementation
- Women should be informed about the potential benefits and harms of BSE and other screening methods
- Health care providers should counsel women about breast self-awareness and encourage them to report any changes
- Screening mammography and clinical breast examination should be performed according to recommended guidelines, taking into account age and risk factors
- Women should be involved in the decision-making process regarding breast cancer screening, with consideration of their individual preferences and values.
From the Research
Primary Guidelines for Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Technique
The primary guidelines for BSE technique include:
- Monthly technical realization 2
- Recognition of abnormalities in the breast 2
- Going to the doctor for possible doubts about changes in the breast 2
- Performing the examination at the ideal time of the month to understand normal breast tissue and detect abnormalities 3
- Utilizing the tools of self-breast examination, yearly mammograms, and clinical breast examinations consistently for early detection of breast cancer 3
Effective Teaching Methods
Effective teaching methods for BSE include:
- Teaching the woman on her own breasts 4
- Providing accurate assessment of the learner's BSE techniques to evaluate BSE teaching methods 4
- Supervised breast self-examination as an educational strategy 5
- Health professionals periodically rechecking the patient's performance and providing corrective measures when necessary 6
Key Factors for Frequent BSE Practice
Key factors that are positively associated with frequent BSE practice include: