Comment From Breakthrough Breast Cancer On Cochrane Review Of Breast Self Examination

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 17 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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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 44,000 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."

Breakthrough Breast Cancer