Breast Self-Examination

Self Breast Exam (SBE)

What To Think About

• Medical experts disagree about the need for regular breast self-examinations. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) found no evidence that BSE saves lives, and they do not recommend routine breast self-examinations. Some health professionals recommend regular BSE. A study has shown that BSE does not help detect breast cancer earlier.^{2, 3}
• An apparently normal breast self-examination does not rule out breast cancer. Breast self-examinations should not replace regular clinical breast examinations by a health professional and mammograms for women older than age 40. For more information, see the medical tests Clinical Breast Examination and Mammogram.
• Some women prefer to have regular breast examinations performed by their partner. As long as your partner is familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, any changes are likely to be found early.
• If you have a breast lump that you are concerned about, see your health professional to determine the cause. Remember, most breast lumps are not caused by cancer. A breast biopsy may be needed to fully evaluate a breast lump. For more information, see the medical test Breast Biopsy.
• A pad, the breast self-examination (BSE) pad, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an aid in breast self-examination. The sensor pad is made of two layers of plastic with a small amount of liquid silicone inside. It is supposed to make breast lumps easier to detect by reducing the amount of rubbing (friction) between the fingers and the breast skin. The sensor pad is available without a prescription at many pharmacies.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: February 22, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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