Self-examination and clinical examination of the breast

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Abstract
The techniques of self breast examination and the clinical examination of the breasts are described briefly. The potential value and the limitations of these tests in screening for breast cancer are reviewed. In a Cancer Society Monograph in 1958, Haagensen said, "It is probable that, from the point of view of the greatest possible gain in early diagnosis, teaching women how to examine their own breasts is more important than teaching the technique of breast examination to physicians, for we must keep in mind the fact that at least 98 percent of the women who develop breast carcinoma discover their tumors themselves." Unfortunately, this is still true today. There is urgent need to focus research on methods to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Caution is emphasized in widespread advocacy of breast self examination without adequate supporting evidence of its efficacy. There is need for a well-designed, prospective study of breast self examination with full attention to a rigorous research design and methodology.