Breast Self-Examination

Self Breast Exam (SBE)

What To Think About

• Medical experts disagree about the need for regular breast self-examinations. Some health professionals recommend regular BSE, but studies have not shown that BSE helps detect breast cancer earlier.^{2, 3}
  • The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) did not find evidence that BSE saves lives, and they do not recommend routine breast self-examinations.^{2, 3}
  • The Canadian Cancer Society recommends breast self-examination, because many women detect their own lumps and routine self-examination may help women discover any lumps sooner.
• An apparently normal breast self-examination does not rule out breast cancer. Breast self-examinations should not replace regular clinical breast examinations by a health professional and mammograms for women older than age 40. For more information, see the medical tests Clinical Breast Examination and Mammogram.
• Some women prefer to have regular breast examinations performed by their partner. As long as your partner is familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, any changes are likely to be found early.
• If you have a breast lump that you are concerned about, see your health professional to determine the cause. Remember, most breast lumps are not caused by cancer. A breast biopsy may be needed to fully evaluate a breast lump. For more information, see the medical test Breast Biopsy.
• A pad, the breast self-examination (BSE) pad is available for use as an aid in breast self-examination. The sensor pad is made of two layers of plastic with a small amount of liquid silicone inside. It is supposed to make breast lumps easier to detect by reducing the amount of rubbing (friction) between the fingers and the breast skin. The sensor pad is available without a prescription at many pharmacies. However, the Canadian Cancer Society notes the most effective way to find a change in your breasts is with your own fingers; you don't need a BSE pad or any other type of aid to examine your own breasts. The CCS does not endorse any BSE aids.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 11, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.