Breast self-examination is one of the processes that has been utilized in the screening for breast cancer or the growth of tumor in the breasts. While being a common practice and preferred among many people, the lack of standardization on the detection, reading and translation of the results implies that it can cause anxiety and fear in the user. On the other hand, it can become a common justification for women to seek regular screening options and medication which all my not be necessary. Further, the breast self-examination has not been indicated across scholarly articles and research to minimize the mortality rates and therefore lacking in detail as an evidence-based best practice (Independent UK Panel on Breast Cancer Screening, 2012). Mammography on its part is more standardized and it affords the patient a chance to detect early stage invasive breast cancer which is not the case with breast –self examination. It has an ability to detect cases by between 15-35% (Mahon, 2012). Magnetic resonance imaging is another method that can be adopted as a replacement for breast self-examination and it has been shown to be more proactive for usage in high-risk groups even when compared to mammography.
While the healthcare stakeholders have insisted on the need for women to take up screening as a preventive and management strategy, there are significant risks associated with the same. On one hand, a majority of these tests may turn out to be untrue on the first instance and the need or subsequent tests and screening before any action is taken are necessary. Such results which may be untrue cause unnecessary fear and anxiety and could be the first point to stress and depression for the patient. On the other hand, in processes such as MRI, the use of contrast imaging requires the injection of contrast dye. When used regularly, the dye may lead to increased risk of kidney diseases as well as anaphylaxis (Mahon, 2012). Further, the cases of false-positive results are common and may subject the patient to unnecessary tension and expenses which could be avoided. Despite these negative results and concerns, the importance of cancer screening cannot be overlooked. However, frequent screenings may be harmful to the patient’s health as well as imposing unnecessary costs (Independent UK Panel on Breast Cancer Screening, 2012).
References
Independent UK Panel on Breast Cancer Screening. (2012). The benefits and harms of breast cancer screening: an independent review. The Lancet,380(9855), 1778-1786.
Mahon, S. M. (2012). Screening for breast cancer: Evidence and recommendations. Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 16(6), 567.
