Benefits of breast self-examinations for medically underserved populations: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breast self-examination (BSE) was previously recommended to help early-stage breast cancer detection to improve prognosis. However, BSE is not recommended in the United States anymore due to the findings that it fails to significantly decrease mortality while increasing biopsy cases, causing unnecessary harm. Nonetheless, international researchers have continued to investigate the benefits of BSE in medically underserved regions. These studies raise the possibility that BSE could be beneficial in rural America, where people face higher mortality from chronic diseases compared to the general population.

Objectives

Determine if BSE has benefits for medically underserved populations to inform a potential reevaluation of breast cancer screening recommendations.

Des

SUBMITTER: Cassidy CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11881123 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature