New Exam Can Detect Breast Cancer Sooner

A new breast exam technique being pioneered at Ohio State University can detect breast cancer earlier that other exam methods now in use. Using a vertical pattern and covering a larger area, proponent Dr. Doug Knutson hopes the new technique will become the medical standard, replacing the less reliable circular and horizontal patterns favored today.

Since 2004, Dr. Knutson, OSU assistant professor of family medicine, has taught the technique to 100 central Ohio physicians and 400 OSU medical students, but it remains largely unknown outside the OSU community. Dr. Knutson learned the new breast exam method from Elizabeth Steiner, assistant professor at Oregon Health & Science University.

"When done correctly, the procedure might find masses as small as 3 millimeters -- small enough to improve survival rates with earlier detection," according to an article in the Columbus Dispatch (click the post title to read the article and view an illustration of the new breast exam technique).

In the new exam, small circular motions are repeated with increasing pressure in a series of vertical lines down the breast. "The new exam covers the breast in a pentagonal shape from the collarbone to the lower bra line and from the center of the chest wall to the armpit." It takes approximately 5 minutes to thoroughly examine both breasts, the additional 3 minutes meeting with some resistance from time-pressed doctors. "But nobody disputes that it's better or that it's more sensitive" in detecting breast lumps and anomalies, Dr. Knutson said.

Dr. Knutson, whose sister died of breast cancer in 1998, has produced a 15-minute training film on the new exam technique that is being considered for use by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Ask your doctor about this new breast exam during your next visit.

Dr. Burton Goldberg is always looking for new ways to help people prevent and fight cancer. He advocates a multimodal approach that combines the best treatments from both alternative and conventional medicine. His ground-breaking, 2-hour documentary video Cancer Conquest thoroughly explores the causes of cancer and the new cutting-edge treatments in both alternative and conventional medicine being used to prevent and cure this disease. Visit Dr Goldberg's website for more information on how you can prevent and conquer cancer.