New Danish guidelines advising the population not to perform BSEs are supported by a review – to be released later today – of BSE studies previously conducted in Russia and China. The review, co-authored by Dr. Peter Gotzsche, suggests that breast self-exams do not reduce deaths from cancer and “cannot be recommended.”

I requested a copy of the review so I could investigate the issue for you. Here’s the deal:

The review was conducted by The Cochrane Collaboration. The conclusions are indeed as follows:

Data from two large trials do not suggest a beneficial effect of screening by breast self-examination but do suggest increased harm in terms of increased numbers of benign lesions identified and an increased number of biopsies performed. At present, screening by breast self-examination or physical examination cannot be recommended.

The problem seemed to be the high incidence of biopsies based on Breast Self Exam (BSE) that did not result in malignancies. My strong opinion is that a biopsy that gives a woman a clean bill of health is worth the cost of the procedure and the resulting anxiety if the alternative is an advanced stage breast cancer detection!

The author of the review (Dr. Peter Gøtzsche, director of the Nordic Cochrane Centre and Lecturer in medical science theory and ethics at Copenhagen University) did say in his report that “It would be wrong, however, to conclude that women need not be aware of any breast changes.” He stated these implications for research:

It is unlikely that additional trials investigating breast self-examination as a single general screening method would be worthwhile.

That makes a difference — it’s not recommended as a single general screening method (I’m not sure any one said BSE was being used as one though). Meanwhile, the ABC News Medical Unit reported on this story today. They presented both sides of the debate and included in their article the American Cancer Society most likely wouldn’t change their recommendation that BSE is an option for women starting in their 20s. I’d love for someone at the ACS to confirm or deny that opinion.

I’m with Dr. Weiss on this point:

“Early detection of breast cancer is crucial not only to the ‘survivorship’ of a patient, but to her quality of life while treating the cancer, and thereafter. For many patients, early detection could mean not having to lose a breast through mastectomy or not having to experience aggressive chemotherapy,” says Dr. Weiss.

Maybe, just maybe, a diagnosis spreads some light and sheds some clarity in this debate. Don’t you agree?

Post from: Blisstree

Controversial Findings About Breast Self Exam Explained