The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
Volume 6, Issue 6 , Pages 444-451, June 2010

The Breast Self-Examination Controversy: What Providers and Patients Should Know

  • Tiffany L. Allen

      Affiliations

    • Tiffany L. Allen, MSN, FNP-BC, WHNP, is a family nurse practitioner at Thomasville Family Practice in Thomasville, NC.
    • ,
  • Brittany J. Van Groningen

      Affiliations

    • Brittany J. Van Groningen, MSN, WHNP, is a women's health nurse practitioner in the Goshen Health System: The Retreat Women's Health Center in Goshen, IN.
    • ,
  • Debra J. Barksdale

      Affiliations

    • Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, is an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing.
    • ,
  • Regina McCarthy

      Affiliations

    • Regina McCarthy, MS, CNM, CPNP, is a clinical assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing.

Abstract 

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The efficacy of breast self-examination in decreasing cancer mortality is being questioned because of some recent evidence. This finding has led to various and controversial recommendations by key health organizations. This article explores this controversy and provides resources that nurse practitioners can use for discussions with patients and to help patients make informed decisions about the role of breast self-examination in their health care.

Keywords:  breast cancer screening , breast self-examination , efficacy of breast self-examination , recommendation for breast self-examination

 

 In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.

PII: S1555-4155(09)00664-3

doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2009.11.005

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
Volume 6, Issue 6 , Pages 444-451, June 2010

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