Why is it important for women to perform a monthly breast self-examination (BSE) even with regular mammograms?

Performing a monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is particularly important because more than 90% of breast abnormalities are first detected by the individual themselves. This statistic highlights the effectiveness of self-examination in recognizing changes that may signal potential issues such as lumps, texture changes, or other unusual signs.

Even though regular mammograms play a crucial role in breast cancer screening and can detect abnormalities not palpable by self-examination, they have limitations as well. Some cancers may develop in between screenings or may not be visible on a mammogram, making self-exams a vital practice for early detection.

While annual exams and mammograms are part of routine breast health assessments, they are not a substitute for self-examinations. Instead, self-examinations serve as an additional layer of proactive awareness in breast health. Regular practice can help women become more familiar with their own bodies, making it easier to notice any changes that merit medical attention.

In summary, the high rate of self-detection underscores the importance of BSEs in conjunction with professional breast health screenings.