Year: 1992
Type: article
Abstract: There is clear evidence that breast cancer screening will result in a cancer diagnosis at an earlier stage and with a reduced mortality and less radical surgery.Apart from mammography, breast-self examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) are the only available early detection measures for breast cancer.When mammography is readily available, physical examination of the breast may permit the discovery of interval cancer or those cancers not detectable by mammography.After reviewing the existing guidelines apart from mammography, for the detection of early breast cancer in the asymptomatic woman, no changes are recommended.The current guidelines are as follows: (1) BSE should be performed by women older than 20 years of age every month; and (2) breast physical examination should be performed every 3 years for women 20 through 40 years of age, and every year for women older than 40 years of age.These guidelines must be considered as part of an individual's comprehensive health program that includes health promotion, cancer prevention, and early detection.Therefore, it was recommended to not specify an upper age limit for BSE or CBE.Similarly, in considering the role of BSE in younger women, the value of an ongoing process of education and creating awareness in women of changes in their breast was acknowledged.
Source: Cancer
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2033843159