The controversy over self exams has surfaced once again, as a new study suggests
they provide no significant benefit. We asked a local survivor and a physician
for a perspective.
Jackie Brown is both a breast cancer survivor, and the director of Komen For The
Cure of Southern Nevada -- a partner in our Buddy Check-8 program. She says the
ongoing arguments about breast self-exams offer a frustrating challenge that
comes with a silver lining.
"We're out there talking about the importance of early detection and know your
body and do your breast self exams and get your clinical breast exams. And it
gets frustrating that a study will come out and get everyone confused. But the
flip side is, it gets women to talk about it. We get the phone calls. We get to
have the dialogue with these women, and they get to understand how important it
really is to know your body and do your breast self exams," said Brown.
Brown believes that although self exams lack scientific evidence proving their
value, they still have a place in women's health.
Las Vegas oncologist, Heather Allen agrees. At the same time, she understands
concerns that finding a lump could lead to an unnecessary biopsy. And a self
exam may not find cancer at an early stage. There are still, however, unanswered
questions.
"None of these studies that they looked at when they were saying do it or don't
do it, ever really looked at women who were considered to be high risk. Maybe in
that group of women it does make a difference," said Dr. Allen.
Dr. Allen maintains it will always be to a woman's advantage and empowerment to
be aware of changes in her own body. "So that if they ever do feel something
different, they will say -- wait a minute, I know that wasn't there. So I think
people are not saying whole heartedly saying, don't even bother checking your
breast, absolutely not."
Allen points out that while there's no question that mammograms are useful in
picking up tumors, they too are imperfect. And that women should combine the
various forms of detection.
Allen says while there's no question that mammograms are useful, they too are
imperfect. And that women should combine the various forms of detection.
