The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) said Wednesday it is no longer recommending routine breast self-examinations (BSE) as a way to detect cancer, citing various side effects.
While there is no evidence that BSEs lower breast cancer death rates, such regular exams give women a false sense of security and increase stress and unnecessary treatment, the Society said in a press release on its website.
Often, women who do find a benign lump or a "false positive" often have to go through extensive diagnostic testing that can result in harmful side effects, Heather Logan, director of Cancer Control Policy and Information for the CCS, told reporters Wednesday.
Organized screening with mammography and clinical breast examinations done by a doctor are recommended instead of monthly self exams, according to the release.
The CCS recommends women between the age of 50 and 69 have a mammogram every two years. Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should discuss the risks of developing breast cancer with their physician along with the risks and benefits of mammography.
Women over the age of 40 should be screened every two years by a physician. Women at the age of 70 or older should consult their doctors about screening programs.
Breast cancer death rates among women have fallen by 25 percent since 1986 and more women are living longer after diagnosis of breast cancer.
source: Philippine News Agency
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