Regarding the Sept. 18 Well+Being advice column, “Breast self-exams aren’t recommended anymore. Here’s why.”:
I would like to clarify any potential confusion, especially for younger women who want to take proactive measures for their breast health. Leading women’s health institutions, such as Johns Hopkins University Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, urge women of all ages to be breast-aware and remain vigilant about any changes in their breasts.
Although a mammogram can assist in detecting cancer before any mass is noticeable by touch, 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who discover their own lump. In women younger than 40, this percentage increases to over 80 percent, highlighting the significant importance of “knowing your normal.”
Furthermore, a recent JAMA study revealed a steady increase in the number of breast cancer cases among younger women. Since mammography for women of average risk begins at age 40, being vigilant about monthly changes in your breasts and seeking professional support if any abnormalities are noticed are crucial steps for maximizing early detection and taking control of your breast health.
Some argue that regular self-exams lead to unnecessary invasive breast biopsies with benign results. However, until we have technology to accurately determine which tumors are cancerous and potentially lethal, discouraging this practice would be a disservice to women. Time and time again, early detection has proven to save lives, and this includes intentional self-examination for changes or abnormalities.
Clare Dougherty, Silver Spring
The writer is chief executive of the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer.
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