Breast Self-exams for women; do or don't?

The “yes” argument: Amanda Jackson

Ermel is president of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network. A nurse for 42 years (and a teacher of nursing for 35 of those), Ermel, who lives in Regina, discovered her own cancer 16 years ago.
SAL Should women regularly examine their own breasts?
Amanda Jackson Definitely. The point of regular breast self-examination has always been to learn what’s normal for you, and then you know when there’s a change. If you find a change, you go to an expert—a nurse practitioner or primary care physician—and have it checked out. Most likely it’s nothing, but it’s important to get it checked out. Women need to know at a relatively young age what’s normal for them. It’s not necessary to go through a big rigorous procedure, but breast health is still important.
SAL Are you concerned that some women will go to the doctor too often?
AJ No; if you know your breasts and you know there is something different, you need to get it checked out. In most cases, it will turn out to be nothing. It’s an opportunity for the health professional to do some health teaching on what is normal and what is not.
SAL How can women tell when there could be something wrong?
AJ They need to know what their breasts feel like, their texture, and what they are looking for. Are there rashes? If your nipple has never been inverted and then suddenly it is, that’s not good. Women need to know where to feel —under the armpits, too—and how. If you poke with your finger or feel with your palm, you aren’t likely to pick up changes. There are good websites that show how to do a self-exam—

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