During an annual physical examination, a 43-year-old patient states that she does not perform monthly breast self-examinations (BSEs). She tells the nurse that she believes that mammograms "do a much better job than I ever could to find a lump." What should the nurse include in his or her response to this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although the American Cancer Society no longer recommends a structured monthly BSE because many women with breast cancer have detected their lumps by chance as when bathing or dressing, the goal of BSE is that a woman becomes familiar with the look and feel of her breasts so she can detect any change and report it promptly. Intermittent BSEs along with clinical breast examinations and mammograms are complementary screening measures. Mammography can reveal cancers too small to be detected by the woman or by the most experienced examiner. However, interval lumps may become palpable between mammograms.

During an Annual Physical Examination, a 43-Year-Old Patient States That