Please note that BSE is still controversial. There are organizations which firmly believe in BSE and others who do not. While recent studies have not proven that BSE extends life, there are many who believe that early detection (which is possible through BSE as one method) is still a better alternative. Please read the article and make your own choices. I, personally, have a strong opinion on the subject and invite you to email me or post a comment or discussion thread. I will be happy to respond. For once, I am trying to keep my personal opinion out of the article.
Please read the article, do more research, ask questions, discuss and come to your own conclusions. Again, do what is right for you.
American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, 2005
"Each January, the American Cancer Society (ACS) publishes a summary of its recommendations for early cancer detection, including guideline updates, emerging issues that are relevant to screening for cancer, and a summary of the most current data on cancer screening rates for US adults. In 2004, there were no updates to ACS guidelines.
ACS guidelines for breast cancer screening were last updated in 2003. Guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer in average-risk women emphasize a process that begins after a woman is 20 years of age and consist of a combination of clinical breast examination (CBE), counseling to raise awareness of breast symptoms, and eventually regular mammography.
CBE should take place every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 39 and annually for women aged 40 and older. This examination should take place during periodic health examinations, and it provides an opportunity to assess risk, discuss the importance of early detection, discuss the importance of regular mammography in women 40 years of age and older, and answer any questions women may have about their own risk, new technologies, or other matters relating to breast disease. It also is an occasion during which women who choose to do breast self-examination (BSE) can have their technique reviewed. The ACS no longer recommends monthly BSE beginning at age 20 and instead recommends that women should be informed about the potential benefits, limitations, and harms (ie, false-positive results and other factors) associated with BSE.
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