Evidence against breast self examination is not conclusive: what policymakers and health professionals need to know

Breast cancer is a serious health concern and a disease that is not well understood. Early detection remains the best way to prevent debilitation and death. Traditionally, mammography, clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self examination (BSE) have been accepted as legitimate breast screening modalities. Over the past 5 years, academics, health professionals, and policymakers have seriously questioned the usefulness of BSE after influential organizations such as the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care downgraded their BSE recommendation citing fair evidence of no benefit and good evidence of harm. We briefly review the three large BSE trials, highlighting methodological weaknesses limiting their ability to evaluate its effectiveness, as well as critique the 2001 Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care report on BSE. We argue that it is premature to conclude that BSE is ineffective. Given that most women find their own breast cancer, this article cautions policymakers and health professionals that a prudent approach to BSE promotion should be taken.     

Breast cancer screening: a 35-year perspective

Screening for breast cancer has been evaluated by 9 randomized trials over 5 decades and recommended by major guideline groups for more than 3 decades. Successes and lessons for cancer screening from this history include development of scientific methods to evaluate screening, by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; the importance of randomized trials in the past, and the increasing need to develop new methods to evaluate cancer screening in the future; the challenge of assessing new technologies that are replacing originally evaluated screening tests; the need to measure false-positive screening test results and the difficulty in reducing their frequency; the unexpected emergence of overdiagnosis due to cancer screening; the difficulty in stratifying individuals according to breast cancer risk; women's fear of breast cancer and the public outrage over changing guidelines for breast cancer screening; the need for population scientists to better communicate with the public if evidence-based recommendations are to be heeded by clinicians, patients, and insurers; new developments in the primary prevention of cancers; and the interaction between improved treatment and screening, which, over time, and together with primary prevention, may decrease the need for cancer screening.     

Is routine mammography screening appropriate for women 40-49 years of age?

This article reviews the evidence about screening for breast cancer. Results are now available from four randomized trials--one quasi-experimental study and three case control studies. Only the oldest, the Health Insurance Plan (HIP) Trial, shows any evidence of mortality reduction in women from 40 to 49 years of age. However, the evidence from the HIP trial is weak and somewhat contradictory. Preliminary data from a further trial in Sweden and the National Breast Screening Study in Canada confirm my conclusion that the scientific evidence is insufficient at present to recommend mammography screening for women 40-49 years of age. This conclusion reinforces the decision of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, but contradicts the guidelines of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.     

Self-examination does not reduce breast cancer mortality

Breast self-examination does not decrease breast cancer mortality, according to the results of this randomized controlled trial of 266,000 women who were given intensive instruction in breast self-examination. These findings correspond with the US Preventive Services Task Force policy not to recommend breast self-examination for the reduction of breast cancer mortality.     

Three-Year Prospective Adherence to Three Breast Cancer Screening Modalities

Background.This study prospectively examined rates of adherence to mammography, clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self-examination (BSE) in a cohort of women over 3 years to determine whether participation in BSE influenced participation in the other two screening modalities.Methods.Women ages 51 and older (n= 450) who attended a small group educational session to learn BSE and to hear about CBE and mammography guidelines were assessed annually by telephone for 3 consecutive years to determine their subsequent breast cancer screening behavior.Results.Annual CBE and mammography screening are highly positively associated. Regular performance of BSE has a modest positive association with both CBE and mammography adherence over time.Conclusions.Women who perform BSE regularly over time may be more likely to adhere to the other breast cancer screening guidelines.     

Use of mammograms among women aged > or = 40 years--United States, 2000-2005

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death (after lung and bronchial cancer) among women in the United States. In 2002, at least 182,125 women in the United States had a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, and 41,514 died from the disease. Screening mammography can reduce mortality from breast cancer by approximately 20%-35% in women aged 50-69 years and approximately 20% in women aged 40-49 years. Organizations including the American Medical Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Cancer Society support mammography screening beginning at age 40 years, although these groups vary in their recommendations regarding intervals for rescreening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of private-sector experts in prevention and primary care convened by the Department of Health and Human Services, recommends that women aged < or = 40 years be screened for breast cancer with a mammogram every 1-2 years. Although mammogram use increased substantially during the 1990s, results from a recent cohort study of health maintenance organization members revealed declining screening rates during 1999-2002. This report describes Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) findings that indicate a similar decreasing trend in self-reported use of mammograms among women aged < or = 40 years during 2000-2005. Continued declines in mammography use might result in increased breast cancer mortality.     

The role of clinical breast examination and breast self-examination

The efficacy of screening by clinical breast examination (CBE) and/or breast self-examination (BSE) is reviewed using indirect evidence from randomized breast screening trials and that from observational studies. In countries where breast cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, screening by CBE with the teaching of BSE as an integral component will probably be effective in reducing breast cancer mortality. However, in technically advanced countries where adequate treatment is given, no screening modality is likely to be sufficiently beneficial to outweigh the harms of screening, especially false positives and over-diagnosis.     

Re-examining current breast cancer screening: An analysis of the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for breast cancer screening

ABSTRACT

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new mammography screening guidelines in November 2009. The panel’s comprehensive review of evidence for this preventive service concluded that the net benefit of screening mammography was too small to justify universal screening for women younger than 50 years of age but advocated continuing universal screening, though biennially rather than annually, for women ages 50–74 years. Under these new recommendations, it is possible undetected early breast cancers may increase and result in increases in breast cancer morbidity. This policy analysis assessed the impact of the new guidelines regarding whether the policy changes have affected breast cancer detection and treatment in the ensuing 5 years, and whether these guidelines may affect morbidity and mortality from breast cancer in the future. Trade-offs are present in cost-effectiveness and earlier detection with better treatment for women ages 40–49 years. Follow-up studies will be crucial to monitor changes in outcome for mortality and surgical intervention and ascertain the full impact of the new guidelines for women younger than 50 years.     

Longitudinal Patterns of Breast Cancer Screening: Mammography,Clinical, and Breast Self-Examinations in a Rural and Urban Setting

BackgroundWe identified breast screening patterns over time and patterns among women residing in rural and urban areas by sociodemographic factors.MethodsThis study employs a longitudinal design over 9 years from 2001 on 11,200 women aged 50 to 55 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Area of residence was defined in accordance with the accessibility remoteness index of Australia Plus. Breast screening measures included mammography utilization, clinical breast examinations (CBE), and breast self-examinations (BSE).FindingsMost women had a mammogram in the past 2 years in combination with CBE or BSE or both. Despite poorer access to mammography services, women residing in rural areas had similar mammography screening rates to their urban counterparts. Women residing in rural areas were less likely to have CBEs, but more likely to conduct BSEs. The breast screening behaviors were generally consistent over time.ConclusionsThe poorer breast cancer survival among rural women is unlikely to be explained by differences in mammography service use. A substantial proportion of the population may be experiencing overscreening by conducting all three types of breast screening.     

Breast cancer screening methods: a review of the evidence

Breast cancer remains a major health problem among Canadian women. Efforts directed at primary prevention of the disease are limited. Secondary prevention through screening appears to be the most promising intervention available in controlling the disease. In recent years, there have been ongoing debates over the effectiveness of available breast screening modalities (breast self-examination [BSE], clinical breast examination [CBE], and screening mammography). In this article I provide an overview of evidence related to each of the three breast screening modalities. The evidence shows that screening mammography and proper examination of breasts can be useful in reducing breast cancer mortality.     

BREAST CANCER SCREENING METHODS: A REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE

Breast cancer remains a major health problem among Canadian women. Efforts directed at primary prevention of the disease are limited. Secondary prevention through screening appears to be the most promising intervention available in controlling the disease. In recent years, there have been ongoing debates over the effectiveness of available breast screening modalities (breast self-examination [BSE], clinical breast examination [CBE], and screening mammography). In this article I provide an overview of evidence related to each of the three breast screening modalities. The evidence shows that screening mammography and proper examination of breasts can be useful in reducing breast cancer mortality.     

An integrative review on breast cancer screening practice and correlates among Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Asian Indian American women

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among Chinese, Filipino and Korean women. Despite the efficacy of breast cancer screening, Asian American women have one of the lowest rates of mammography and clinical breast exam (CBE) of all U.S. ethnic groups. I provided a systematic overview to document factors related to three modalities of breast cancer screening (breast self-exam [BSE], CBE and mammography) among four subgroups of Asian American women (i.e., Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Asian Indian). Results showed that the existing studies provided evidence of demographic correlates to screening practice; however, fewer studies focused on cognitive and social-cultural correlates, and limited results were available with Filipino and Asian Indian groups.     

To screen or not to screen: the issue of breast cancer screening in older women

INTRODUCTION: The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women aged 50-69 receive timely breast cancer screening, but does not make a recommendation for women aged 70 and older. Our purpose is to assess the relationship between age and breast cancer screening trends, and to consider the issue of breast cancer screening of women 70 years of age and older in light of demographics, disease burden, life expectancy, and activity level. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the state-based Behvioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) on breast cancer screening practices and activity limitation status of women 50 and older. RESULTS: The percentage of women who reported receiving mammography and clinical breast examination within two years was lower among older women compared with younger women, and the gap has widened over time. In 1991-92, 61.4% of women 50-69 received screening within two years, compared to 49.5% of women 70 and above, while in 1997-98, the percentages were 71.1 and 56.7, respectively. Among both age groups and in both time periods, those unable to perform a major activity of daily living were less likely to report receiving mammography within two years than those with no limitation, and the gap was much wider in the elderly. Most (62.7%) women 70 and older reported having no activity limitation; only 5.5% reported being unable to perform a major activity. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that elderly women are less likely than younger women to receive timely breast cancer screening. The USPSTF does not recommend continued screening in elderly women because most studies of breast cancer efficacy included inadequate numbers of these women. Few, if any, studies have yielded evidence that screening is ineffective in women 70 and over. Given the higher breast cancer incidence and mortality seen in elderly women, as well as the increased life expectancy with little or no activity limitation seen among today's elderly, consideration should be given to including elderly women in the recommendation to receive timely breast cancer screening. Since surgical and adjuvant therapy for breast cancer in older women has less complications than therapy for other cancers of the elderly, the cost-benefit ratio for breast cancer screening in this age group may prove to be more promising.     

An Integrative Review on Breast Cancer Screening Practice and Correlates Among Chinese,Korean, Filipino,and Asian Indian American Women

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among Chinese, Filipino, and Korean women. Despite the efficacy of breast cancer screening, Asian American women have one of the lowest rates of mammography and clinical breast exam (CBE) of all U.S. ethnic groups. I provided a systematic overview to document factors related to three modalities of breast cancer screening (breast self-exam [BSE], CBE, and mammography) among four subgroups of Asian American women (i.e., Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Asian Indian). Results showed that the existing studies provided evidence of demographic correlates to screening practice; however, fewer studies focused on cognitive and social–cultural correlates, and limited results were available with Filipino and Asian Indian groups.     

Breast cancer screening behaviors among African American women with a strong family history of breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of breast cancer screening to reduce morbidity and mortality, limited information is available on screening practices among African American women with a family history that is suggestive of hereditary breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: To describe adherence to breast cancer screening recommendations among African American women with a family history that is suggestive of hereditary disease. METHODS: Participants were unaffected African American women (n=65) who had a family history of cancer that was suggestive of hereditary breast cancer. Breast cancer screening practices were evaluated by self-report. The study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Women were recruited to participate in the study from February 2003-December 2005. RESULTS: Most women were adherent to recommendations for mammography (75%) and CBE (93%). A sizeable minority of women (41%) also performed excessive BSE. Being older than age 50 was associated significantly with mammography adherence (FET<0.05). Employment had a significant independent association with BSE; unemployed women were most likely to perform excessive BSE (OR=3.28, 95% CI: 1.05, 10.21, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest a complex pattern of breast cancer screening practices among African American women at increased risk for hereditary breast cancer.     

Whatever happened to clinical breast examinations?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the use of clinical breast examinations (CBE), mammography, and both tests between the years 1990 and 2000. METHODS: Receipt of breast cancer screening tests (CBE, mammography, and both tests combined) for white, black, and Hispanic women in 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2000 were examined by sociodemographic, access, and health risk indicators using data from the National Health Interview Survey. RESULTS: The use of mammography increased from 1990 to 2000, but the proportion of women reporting a recent CBE decreased for almost all groups of women. Differential use of CBE by sociodemographic characteristics is consistent with what has been documented for mammography. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of mammography has increased since 1990, there has been a downward trend in the use of CBE. Healthcare providers should be aware of the lower rates of CBE, particularly among women with compromised access to health care, and should not assume that women who get mammograms have received comprehensive screening for breast cancer.     

Factors associated with accurate cancer detection during a clinical breast examination

PURPOSE: Although most US women who undergo mammography screening also receive a Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), factors that predict cancer detection during a CBE have not been well studied to date.METHODS: We analyzed 752,081 National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) screening records for CBEs performed from July 1, 1995 thru June 30, 1998 on low income women across the US. CBE results are reported as "normal" or "abnormal, suspicious for cancer." Other variables include CBE date, age, race, ethnicity, presence of breast symptoms at screening, and whether the woman had received a prior NBCCEDP-funded CBE. Most (74%) records include mammography dates and results. Tumor stage and size are reported for invasive cancers whether detected by CBE or mammography.RESULTS: Breast cancer was reported on 3,780 records. On 2,224 records, the CBE was suspicious for cancer. On 1,556 records, the CBE was normal. Most (93%) cancer records with a normal CBE had abnormal mammography results. Bivariate comparisons between normal and abnormal CBE records with a cancer diagnosis found significant differences (p <.001) in age, race/ethnicity, presence of breast symptoms, history of a prior NBCCEDP CBE, and tumor stage and size. In a logistic model controlling for these variables, women with breast symptoms were more likely to have their cancer detected during CBE (OR = 7.0, 95% CI = 5.9-8.5), while women with a prior NBCCEDP CBE were less likely to have their cancer detected (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.6-0.8). Compared to women aged 50-59 years, women <40 were more likely to have their cancer detected by CBE (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.9-5.4) but women >/=70 were less likely (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5-0.9). Larger cancers and those at more advanced stages were much more likely to be detected during CBE.CONCLUSIONS: Among low-income women whose cancers were detected through the NBCCEDP, older women and those who had been screened previously in the program were less likely to have their cancer detected during a CBE, even after controlling for tumor size and stage.     

U.S. Women Physicians' personal and clinical breast cancer screening practices

Little is known about predictors of physicians' personal or clinical compliance with breast cancer screening recommendations. We explored this in 4501 respondents to the Women Physicians' Health Study, a questionnaire-based study of a representative sample of U.S. women M. D.s. Overall, 21% of women physicians performed breast self-examination (BSE) at least monthly, about two thirds had received a clinical breast examination (CBE) within the last year, and 85% had received one within the last 2 years. Of those <40 years old, 14% had received a mammogram in the past year, as had 42% of those 40-49 and 59% of those 50-70 years old. Being a primary care practitioners or obstetrician/gynecologist was a significant predictor of counseling or screening for CBE and mammography. Only 46% of all women physicians reported discussing or performing mammograms at least once a year for those >/=50-相似文献   

BARRIERS TO BREAST CANCER SCREENING: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Breast cancer has been increasing at an alarming rate and is considered to be of epidemic proportions in the United States, with current estimates indicating that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes, according to Breast Cancer Facts and Figures, 1997 , by the American Cancer Society [ACS]. In spite of the advances in technology to improve early diagnosis and an increased emphasis on education to promote awareness of early detection, 46,000 women die annually. A significant number of these losses could be prevented through risk reduction measures, yet many women do not practice breast self-exam (BSE) or receive adequate clinical screening. The purpose of this integrative review is to provide an analysis of the barriers to breast cancer screening with recommendations for future research. The studies will be categorized using the three modalities for breast cancer screening, mammography, clinical breast exam (CBE) and BSE. Demographic variables that impede breast cancer screening will be integrated into each section. The evidence is clear that in spite of breast cancer screening guidelines, increased awareness and access to mammography screening, women in the United States are not being screened adequately. Recommendations for future research will be included.     

Barriers to breast cancer screening: an integrative review

Breast cancer has been increasing at an alarming rate and is considered to be of epidemic proportions in the United States, with current estimates indicating that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes, according to Breast Cancer Facts and Figures, 1997, by the American Cancer Society [ACS]. In spite of the advances in technology to improve early diagnosis and an increased emphasis on education to promote awareness of early detection, 46,000 women die annually. A significant number of these losses could be prevented through risk reduction measures, yet many women do not practice breast self-exam (BSE) or receive adequate clinical screening. The purpose of this integrative review is to provide an analysis of the barriers to breast cancer screening with recommendations for future research. The studies will be categorized using the three modalities for breast cancer screening, mammography, clinical breast exam (CBE) and BSE. Demographic variables that impede breast cancer screening will be integrated into each section. The evidence is clear that in spite of breast cancer screening guidelines, increased awareness and access to mammography screening, women in the United States are not being screened adequately. Recommendations for future research will be included.