New Recommendations about Breast Self Examination

Muttappallymyalil et al published a paper regarding the “Attitudes and practice of nurses in imparting knowledge on Brest Self Examination” (BSE) in previous issue of the journal [1]. In their conclusion they recommend that educational programs are needed in this group of health professionals promote the practice of teaching women to perform BSE. A recent Cochrane review has failed to find any benefits for regular BSE in reducing the mortality rate of women due to breast cancer. Further, regular BSE appears to increase the number of unnecessary breast biopsies due to palpation of benign lesions [2]. When a woman detects a lump in one of her breasts it is most likely to be benign, however this often causes anxiety and can lead further, sometimes invasive, investigations such as fine needle aspiration (FNA), sonograms, mammograms and also breast biopsy. Such investigations are potentially harmful and costly for patients and/or the healthcare service. New guidelines don’t recommend regular BSE for all women. Women should be aware of potential drawbacks of BSE. Women may encounter a lump or changes in shape and skin colour of their breasts during daily activities such as getting washed or dressed. Sometimes breast changes may be detected by their partner. The role of regular BSE in addition to these activities is uncertain. Regardless of the role of BSE it is recommended that women who encounter any unusual mass in their breast, whether accidentally or during BSE visit a physician for necessary followup.