Study casts doubt on effectiveness of self-exams

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Story Published: Jul 16, 2008 at 11:18 AM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:14 PM PDT

By Herb Weisbaum

SEATTLE -- For years, women have been told regular self-exams increase their chances of catching breast cancer early, when it's most treatable.

But a new review of previously done research concludes that's not the case.

Women who do self-exams are not less likely to die from breast cancer. In fact, the study shows, these women are twice as likely to have unnecessary biopsies.

"Now, doing more biopsies is not the worst thing in the world, it's a minor procedure, usually doesn't cause any problems although it's uncomfortable," said Dr. Tim Johnson, ABC News Medical Editor. "But overall, if you could avoid them you'd like to.

"All the experts that we've talked to say it's good for women to be familiar with their breasts by touching them during showers for example or in other ways and if they notice something by all means it should be reported to the doctor."

Dr. Johnson says if a woman wants to go the self-examination route that's fine. There's just no need to feel guilty if you decide not to do it.

"So I think every woman should work it out with their own physician as to what's best for her."

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