Breakthrough's comment on review into breast self-examination

A review of recent studies into breast self-examination by The Cochrane Library concludes there is no evidence that it reduces breast cancer deaths.

The review also suggests the practice may be doing more harm than good, since it led to almost twice as many biopsies that turned up no cancer in women who performed self-examinations, compared to women who did not.

Dr Sarah Cant, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer says:

"Breast self examination is widely practiced in the USA and is a strict and complicated routine that women are taught in order to check their breasts. It is not advocated by breast cancer charities in the UK or the Department of Health, who recommend that women just need to be breast aware. Being breast aware does not mean following a fancy routine - you just need to know what your breasts look and feel like normally in any way you feel comfortable. If you notice any unusual changes or have any worries, check them out with your GP.

"Most of the 46,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in the UK are detected by women themselves. The earlier that breast cancer is detected, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful. Better breast awareness, together with improved treatments and breast screening, have been shown to contribute to improved survival."