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Mammograms
remain the most important tool for early detection of breast
cancer and women no longer are told they should perform breast
self-exams beginning in their 20s, according to newly released
American Cancer Society guidelines.
The guidelines,
which advise doctors and patients on the proper intervals
for mammograms and breast exams in an effort to detect breast
cancer early, represent the first major change in breast cancer
screening recommendations since 1997.
Perhaps
the most important recommendation seeks to put to rest the
past year's debate among researchers of the value of mammograms,
by emphasizing that mammography remains the gold standard
for early detection of breast cancer.
The most
controversial recommendation seems likely to be the American
Cancer Society's change in the guidelines regarding the breast
self-exam, which previously was recommended once a month.
The new
guidelines recommend that women in their 20s be told about
the benefits and limitations of breast self exams, and that
it is acceptable for women to choose not to it or do it only
occasionally.
The reason
for the change, a spokesperson said, is that research has
shown that the breast self-exam plays a very small role in
detecting breast cancer compared with self awareness, and
that the exams did not contribute to breast cancer survival
rates.
Source:
Breast Cancer
Week of May 18, 2003
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