Breast Self-Examination and Breast Cancer Deaths
Author Information
Author(s): Hackshaw A K, Paul E A
Primary Institution: Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London
Hypothesis
Does practicing breast self-examination reduce mortality from breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study found no significant evidence that breast self-examination reduces breast cancer mortality.
Supporting Evidence
- Women who practiced breast self-examination had a 36% reduction in the risk of death from breast cancer.
- Randomized trials showed no effect of breast self-examination on breast cancer mortality.
- Women taught breast self-examination were more likely to seek medical advice after finding a lump.
Takeaway
Teaching women to check their breasts regularly doesn't help them live longer if they get breast cancer.
Methodology
A meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized trials on breast self-examination and breast cancer mortality.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include publication bias, selection bias, recall bias, lead-time bias, and length-biased sampling.
Limitations
The studies may be affected by biases such as selection bias and recall bias.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 30-69, with varying socioeconomic statuses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
0.56–0.73
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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