Q: I heard recently that breast self-exams don’t do any good. Is that true?

Ask Our Expert about Breast Self-Exams

• I heard recently that breast self-exams don't do any good. Is that true?
• What benefit do breast self-exams have?
• I think I felt a lump in my breast during a self-exam. What should I do?
• When should I do a breast self-exam?
• How should I perform a breast self-exam?
• What can I do to lower my breast cancer risk?

Q: I heard recently that breast self-exams don't do any good. Is that true?

A: There was a study recently that generated a lot of media attention surrounding the usefulness of breast self-exams. The bottom line is the study showed breast self-exams in the absence of other screenings like mammograms don't make a difference in mortality rates. More than 80 percent of breast lumps discovered by women are not cancerous. While it's important to be aware of how your breasts feel, getting regular mammograms is much more important than doing breast self-exams. This study shows you cannot rely on breast self-exams alone.

Q: What benefit do breast self-exams have?

A: Breast self-exams are useful as a tool for awareness. You should be aware of any changes that occur in your breasts and report persistent changes to your physician.

Q: I think I felt a lump in my breast during a self-exam. What should I do?

A: You should report persistent changes to your physician. He or she can then advise you on next steps. It's better to be examined and given a clean bill of health than to wait too long before seeing your physician.

Q: When should I do a breast self-exam?

A: If you use breast self-exams for a self-awareness tool, there are some general guidelines you can follow. For menstruating women, a breast self-exam should be done at the same time each month after the menstrual cycle. Post-menopausal women can perform the exam whenever they want. Please remember that even with a normal breast self-exam, you still need a mammogram. All women age 40 and older need to stay vigilant about getting their annual mammograms.

Q: How should I perform a breast self-exam?

A: The technique ("circular" vs. "rows") isn’t as important as consistency (doing it the same way each time). You need to know how your breasts feel so you can detect changes. If you are unsure of where to start, Breast Health Services can teach you how to perform a breast self-exam.

Q: What can I do to lower my breast cancer risk?

A: Breast self-exam is a useful tool, but you should not rely solely on it. Mammography is absolutely essential. If you believe you're high risk for developing breast cancer you can take advantage of the health network's cancer risk assessment program to help you learn more about hereditary risk factors.

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