Is this study an example of when the wording is crucial (along of the lines of: statistics can be manipulated to prove a point)?
I never thought BSE was supposed to reduce breast cancer deaths, but thought the purpose was for women to become familiar with our body's natural changes throughout the month, so if any changes DO occur (cancer or not), that we can have it checked out by a doctor. I had understood that once a cancerous lump was detected by a woman, or even her doctor, that the cancer was pretty significant in size. If that's true, then I am not surprised by this study, as if BSE can only detect cancer in later stages, then there would be a higher mortality rate (again, assuming). Does that make sense?
The real screening tool, that I think does have an impact on mortality rates of breast cancer, are annual mammograms.
To answer your question---I've never really done the monthly BSE. I probably have done it once or twice in the shower (as recommended), but it always seemed like it wasn't very worthwhile.
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Is this study an example of when the wording is crucial (along of the lines of: statistics can be manipulated to prove a point)?
I never thought BSE was supposed to reduce breast cancer deaths, but thought the purpose was for women to become familiar with our body's natural changes throughout the month, so if any changes DO occur (cancer or not), that we can have it checked out by a doctor. I had understood that once a cancerous lump was detected by a woman, or even her doctor, that the cancer was pretty significant in size. If that's true, then I am not surprised by this study, as if BSE can only detect cancer in later stages, then there would be a higher mortality rate (again, assuming). Does that make sense?
The real screening tool, that I think does have an impact on mortality rates of breast cancer, are annual mammograms.
To answer your question---I've never really done the monthly BSE. I probably have done it once or twice in the shower (as recommended), but it always seemed like it wasn't very worthwhile.
July 22, 2008 - 2:28pmThis Comment
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