Breast Self-Exams: Worth Your Time?

Millions of women perform breast self-exams every month -- but are they worth the time?

For years, women have been told how important it is to do breast self-exams every month. This is something the American Cancer Society has backed.

But the society issued new guidelines this week, saying that clinical exams and mammograms are the most effective tools in diagnosing breast cancer. The guidelines are published in the May/June issue of CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

And now the society says that it is acceptable for women not to do self-exams. They say the research shows it doesn't increase survival rates. So now, their guidelines state that breast self-exams are an "option" for women, starting in their 20s.

Dr. Maureen Chung, an oncologist based in Providence, R.I., agrees. Her research is funded by the American Cancer Society, and she said she has always advised her patients of the limitations of self-breast exams.

"I've been telling patients who come in and ask about breast self-exams -- because a lot of them feel guilty for not doing their breast self-exams -- and I tell them the data do not support that. They shouldn't feel guilty for not doing it. And the only screening test we have available that has altered breast cancer survival is screening mammography," Chung said.

The recommendations also say that women over 40 should continue to get mammograms annually.

Since mammography is not as effective on younger women, the society recommends that they get clinical breast exams from their physician every three years -- or more frequently if there's a history of breast cancer in their family.

One breast cancer survivor also agrees with the guidelines.

Marlene McCarty, executive director of Rhode Island's Breast Care Coalition, found a lump in her breast while taking a shower 15 years ago. But she still supports the society's recommendation to back away from self-exams.

"Less than 8 percent of breast cancer lumps are detected by breast self-exams," McCarthy said.

She feels self-exams give women a false sense of security.

"That 'Oh, wow, I examined my breasts every month, then I went to California for a month and was having so much fun on vacation I didn't examine my breasts. And then a month later, I have a mammogram and there's a lump. Oh, wow, if I had only examined my breasts.'

"That's the wrong message," McCarthy said.

Chung and several other physicians say if a woman discovers a lump and it does turn out to be cancerous, chances are that cancer has been growing for up to 10 years.

But many doctors disagree with the new guidelines and point out that self-exams do work and do save lives.