A long-standing practice advised by medical professionals for women was to conduct monthly self-examinations to detect potential breast cancer lumps. However, recent research indicates that these breast self-exams do not significantly impact breast cancer survival rates. In fact, organizations like the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care actively discourage regular breast self-exams due to the potential for unnecessary biopsies.
Dr. Mojola Omole, a surgical oncologist at Scarborough Health Network and president of the Black Physicians Association of Ontario, emphasized that there is no evidence showing a positive impact on breast cancer outcomes through self-exams. Nevertheless, Omole stressed the importance of self-awareness, regular mammography screenings, and self-exams to help women understand their bodies and identify any abnormalities early.
Breast cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer in Canada, with approximately one in eight women predicted to receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. The concept of breast self-exams has evolved towards promoting breast self-awareness, encouraging individuals to monitor changes in their breasts over time.
A breast self-exam involves physically examining the breasts for lumps, skin changes, discoloration, or swelling. Dr. Omole recommended checking the breast tissue and under the armpits as cancer can also spread to these areas. The procedure includes standing in front of a mirror, elevating one arm, and using the other hand to examine the breast in a clockwise manner, checking for any irregularities.
Dr. Omole advised paying attention to skin changes such as redness, alterations in skin tone, and unusual skin dimpling. While emphasizing the importance of self-exams, she clarified that not all lumps indicate cancer, as benign conditions like cysts and fibroadenomas are common and usually harmless.
Mammograms play a crucial role in early detection, especially for younger women and racialized populations who may face more aggressive tumor types at a younger age. Although self-exams may not significantly impact breast cancer mortality rates, mammograms offer more precise detection capabilities.
Despite the potential for false positives in mammograms, they remain a reliable screening method. Ontario recently lowered the age for self-referral mammograms to 40, recognizing the importance of early detection in diverse populations. Dr. Omole highlighted the significance of self-awareness and early detection in reducing the impact of breast cancer.
Data from the U.S. and the U.K. indicate that women from diverse backgrounds tend to develop breast cancer at a younger age. Dr. Omole emphasized that everyone, including cisgender men, should perform self-exams, especially those with a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
Dr. Duncan Inglis from the Winnipeg Breast Health Centre advocates for the “Three B’s” approach to reducing breast cancer risk: Be healthy, Be aware, and Be informed. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, being mindful of changes in the body, and staying informed about available screening programs are vital in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Inglis highlighted the advancements in breast cancer treatment, including improved chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, leading to better outcomes for women battling breast cancer.