Clinical Breast Exam


content provided by Healthwise small text medium text large text

Clinical breast exam


A clinical breast examination is a physical examination of the breast done by a health professional. Clinical breast examinations are used along with mammograms to check women for breast cancer.

Medical experts disagree about the need for regular clinical breast examinations. Some doctors recommend regular CBE. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against routine CBEs. The evidence showed reductions in breast cancer deaths in studies using mammography alone are comparable to those using mammography plus CBE.

A clinical breast examination may be part of your regular checkup. Talk with your health professional to determine how often to have a breast examination.

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

Healthwise Logo
Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.