Breast self-examination and medical examination related to breast cancer stage.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Breast self-examination and medical examination related to breast cancer stage.
Authors:	Senie RT (AUTHOR), Rosen PP (AUTHOR), Lesser ML (AUTHOR)
Source:	American Journal of Public Health. Jun81, Vol. 71 Issue 6, p583-590. 8p.
Subjects:	Medical self-examination, Periodic health examinations, Breast cancer, Diagnostic services, Tumors
Abstract:	The frequency and type of breast examinations reported by 1,216 primary breast cancer patients was studied in relation to local stage of disease. No significant relationship was found between the reported frequency of breast self-examination (BSE) and stage of disease: however, annual medical examination was significantly associated with small tumor size (P < .01) and absence of axillary lymph node metastases (P < .00l). Regardless of the frequency of any method of examination, the majority (80 per cent) of tumors were first detected by the patients. Among those who detected their lesion, a greater frequency of medical examination was associated with an earlier pathological stage of disease (P < .001). Patients who were examined more frequently by a physician appeared to be more sensitive to clinically significant breast abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of examiner skill in the successful use of palpation to detect breast cancer. Instruction in BSE by a health professional during periodic examinations may provide the optimal opportunity for improved proficiency in self-examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	The frequency and type of breast examinations reported by 1,216 primary breast cancer patients was studied in relation to local stage of disease. No significant relationship was found between the reported frequency of breast self-examination (BSE) and stage of disease: however, annual medical examination was significantly associated with small tumor size (P < .01) and absence of axillary lymph node metastases (P < .00l). Regardless of the frequency of any method of examination, the majority (80 per cent) of tumors were first detected by the patients. Among those who detected their lesion, a greater frequency of medical examination was associated with an earlier pathological stage of disease (P < .001). Patients who were examined more frequently by a physician appeared to be more sensitive to clinically significant breast abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of examiner skill in the successful use of palpation to detect breast cancer. Instruction in BSE by a health professional during periodic examinations may provide the optimal opportunity for improved proficiency in self-examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00900036
DOI:	10.2105/AJPH.71.6.583