Studies shouldn’t
overrule common sense

According to a recent news story, Canadian experts concluded from seven international studies that breast self-exams do little good and may do harm.

That's hogwash. The only harm would be if women opted to substitute self-exams for annual exams.

The experts advised women to rely on yearly mammograms and inspections by medical professionals. Well, sure, but if a lump begins to form shortly after these procedures, it won't be detected by the professionals for months.

A woman checks her breast, finds a lump and goes to the doctor. If it's benign, her mind is at ease. If it isn't, treatment can be started. If she thinks about this just once a year, it could be too late. The money spent on these studies should have gone to finding a cancer cure. Let common sense rule.

--Charlotte Phillips

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