The effect of mass screening by physical examination combined with regular breast self-examination on clinical stage and course of Japanese women with breast cancer.
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- Published online on: January 1, 1998 https://doi.org/10.3892/or.5.1.151
- Pages: 151-156
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Abstract
A mass screening program for breast cancer in Japan consists of physical examination (PE) and education on regular breast self-examination (BSE). The effect of PE with BSE on clinical stages and courses of breast cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical stages and courses were compared between; i) patients who were examined in outpatient clinics (OPC, n=587), ii) patients who were detected by mass screening with regular BSE [BSE(+), n=68], and iii) without BSE [BSE(-), n=178]. Clinical stage in BSE(+) was significantly earlier than that in BSE(-) or OPC. As early stage cancer was most common in BSE(+), conservative surgery was mostly selected. Survival curve in BSE(+) was significantly better than those in BSE(-) or OPC. BSE complements the role of mass screening by PE for early detection and a more favorable clinical course.