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Don't Slack On Self-Exams

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 4, 2008

Regarding "Experts No Longer Urging Monthly Breast Self-Exams" (Nation/World, July 31):

I am appalled that such a recommendation would be made by medical organizations.

In 2004, just four months after my annual exam and six months after an annual mammogram, I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer after I discovered a lump during my own monthly breast self-exam. Had I waited until my next annual exam, I most likely would not be here today, leaving three young children without a mother.

The research cited by the medical groups may only have studied older women, excluding a small percent of breast cancer patients - women under 45. Cancer in younger women is often more aggressive than in women over 70, often resulting in more diagnoses of advanced stages of cancer.

Self-exams are important and often the first indicator that something is wrong.

JEANINE PARRISH

Tampa

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