More is not always better—Breast Self-Exam not as helpful as was hoped for The 2009 breast screening guidelines from the United States Preventative Services Task Force, a major preventative services guideline producing agency, recommended AGAINST teaching breast self-exam. This was surprising since for years we were recommending the opposite, though back in 2002 USPSTF already announced there was insufficient evidence for the usefulness of this intervention. Available data did not show improved longevity for women taught to do it, but did show more frequent biopsies in women who do breast self-exam, and more frequent DIAGNOSTIC (not screening) mammography and ultrasound. Diagnostic, means that the procedure was done not as a part of a routine screening of women who had no symptoms, but for women who came in with breast related questions and complaints which prompted the procedure in order to diagnose or “be sure we do not miss” a significant abnormality. Besides producing worries, these additional procedures have their own harms, albeit small ones. While early detection is good, true prevention is better. Instead of worrying about what you might have, focus on healthy living with contentment, quality food and regular exercise. Instead of focusing thoughts on search for a deadly disease, cultivate awareness of the good things in life. There is even some research evidence that breast cancer risk is reduced by a positive mental outlook on life. Work on developing understanding and a sense of humor about some of the life’s unpleasant events, and maintain appreciation of the present moment. References: 1) USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Summary of Evidence uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Topic/recommendation-summary/breast-cancer-screening 2) Ronit Peled, Devora Carmil, Orly Siboni-Samocha and Ilana Shoham-Vardi. Breast cancer, psychological distress and life events among young women. BMC Cancer, 2008, 8:245
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:16:49 +0000
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