Breast self-exams are part of good screening

The recent release of a major study examining the value of women’s breast self-exams left some upset and others, no doubt, confused. After years of being told that self-exams could save lives, women are now being told by some that the scientific data just aren’t there to back up those earlier claims.

Tell that to cancer patients who discovered lumps in their breasts and are still alive to talk about it.

There’s no need to dismiss the findings of the lengthy study involving more than 260,000 female Chinese factory workers. The women were taught how to check their breasts for lumps. And researchers concluded that teaching breast self-examination doesn’t decrease the number of breast-cancer deaths. These researchers aren’t alone in their findings or conclusions. The National Cancer Institute says that studies haven’t proven self-exams alone reduce the number of deaths.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t help some women. We know it already has. What it means is that women shouldn’t rely on self-exams as the only source of testing. It also means women must learn how to do the test correctly.

We like the "triple play" suggested by Dr. Thomas Smith of Providence Everett Medical Center: breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and routine mammography. That also is the recommendation of the American Cancer Society.

Other organizations, such as the National Breast Cancer Coalition, suggest women should be told the risks and benefits of self-exams. The organization claims some data suggest the exam can increase the number of benign lumps detected, anxiety over such findings, visits to the doctor and unnecessary biopsies. That doesn’t seem like much of a risk to a woman who needs to know for sure whether a lump in her breast is cancerous.

Perhaps the real risk is that women will rely solely on the self-exam or do it incorrectly and miss something suspicious. Both lead to a false sense of security that doesn’t benefit any woman — or man, for that matter. Yes, men can get breast cancer, too.

We all must do what we can to optimize our own health. That means taking good care of ourselves and asking questions of our doctors. Every woman is different. Some women may need mammography at an earlier age than others. Others may be able to rely on self-exams and clinical exams until they reach a certain age. That is something to be discussed and arranged with a doctor.

Until scientists find a cure for breast cancer or a better early detection system, thorough breast self-exams, along with visits to the doctor, are the best tools we have to protect ourselves.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 19

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, file photo, a man using an electronic cigarette exhales in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. On Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, the American Medical Association said it is calling for an immediate ban on all electronic cigarette and vaping devices. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)
Editorial: Shut down flavored tobacco’s gateway to youths

Legislation in Olympia would bar the use of flavors and menthol in vape products and cigarettes.

Glad to see right-of-center opinion in Herald

I’ve been a subscriber to the Daily Herald for nearly 20 years.… Continue reading

Which great years are we returning to, President Trump?

A couple of things that I would like to see answered by… Continue reading

Congressional Republicans should stand for beliefs

Dear Republicans, I understand your conundrum. I know you feel you must… Continue reading

Comment: Musk’s shoddy aim at USAID hit U.S. farmers, too

The agency paid farmers $2 billion for crops to feed a hungry world and to support a vital industry.

Gesen: A New York lesson on our choices as collective hostages

Seven U.S. attorneys general stepped down rather than go against their morals. How will we react?

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 18

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Herald report of Everett protest inaccurate, biased

I was at the rally and protest in Everett last on Feb.… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.