The Hidden Dangers of a Self Breast Exam?
Are you one of those women who isn't quite comfortable giving 'the girls' their monthly once-over? This might be your lucky day.
The latest research shows that regular breast self-examinations may actually do more harm than good, according to MSNBC Health. Depending on your breast tissue and the time of the month natural variations can worry you needlessly, or on the flip side make you less cautious if you're prone to benign cysts anyway.
In fact, overly aggressive treatment (eg. surgeries) of what ultimately prove to be harmless growths can do more harm than good, such as when women are left with disfiguring scars or medical complications. Increasingly, patients are taking the initiative and pushing for medical procedures when doctors turn reluctant . Is this good or bad?
So when does a self exam still make sense? I for one am confused. If you have a family history of breast cancer, it would seem foolish not to check yourself regularly. But according to the American Breast Cancer foundation, less than 30% of all cases can be traced back to typical risk factors. Their opinion continues to support self exams.
I have to wonder if choosing to skip them just because it might lead me to question my doctor's diagnosis is kind of like refusing to slow down on the interstate because of road conditions where the posted speed limit clearly states I may proceed at 70 mph. Riiiiiiight...
What would you do? Do you trust the Doc's opinion more or less than your own? (heck, if it was McDreamy or Greg House, I'd let him check me every time ;)
The latest research shows that regular breast self-examinations may actually do more harm than good, according to MSNBC Health. Depending on your breast tissue and the time of the month natural variations can worry you needlessly, or on the flip side make you less cautious if you're prone to benign cysts anyway.
In fact, overly aggressive treatment (eg. surgeries) of what ultimately prove to be harmless growths can do more harm than good, such as when women are left with disfiguring scars or medical complications. Increasingly, patients are taking the initiative and pushing for medical procedures when doctors turn reluctant . Is this good or bad?
So when does a self exam still make sense? I for one am confused. If you have a family history of breast cancer, it would seem foolish not to check yourself regularly. But according to the American Breast Cancer foundation, less than 30% of all cases can be traced back to typical risk factors. Their opinion continues to support self exams.
I have to wonder if choosing to skip them just because it might lead me to question my doctor's diagnosis is kind of like refusing to slow down on the interstate because of road conditions where the posted speed limit clearly states I may proceed at 70 mph. Riiiiiiight...
What would you do? Do you trust the Doc's opinion more or less than your own? (heck, if it was McDreamy or Greg House, I'd let him check me every time ;)
After a somber topic like this we all need a little eye candy, no?
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