Publication Date
1-30-2015
Keywords
clinical breast exam, breast cancer screening
Abstract
The standardization of the clinical breast examination as a screening tool for breast cancer has been a topic of controversy. Current recommendations vary significantly from organization to organization without consensus. There currently does not seem to be sufficient evidence regarding overall survival benefit of the clinical breast exam. However, as adjunct screening with mammography, it may help find earlier breast cancers and the up to 5–10% of cancers missed by mammography. The most appropriate standardized protocol may be that the clinical breast exam can be performed at the discretion of the provider and patient, with more inclination toward use in women in whom the exam carries greater sensitivity.
Recommended Citation
Lo J. The clinical breast examination: a useful screening tool? J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2015;2:34-37. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1049
Included in
Diagnosis Commons, Neoplasms Commons, Oncology Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Women's Health Commons
Submitted
January 28th, 2015
Accepted
January 28th, 2015