<unk>  <unk>  is a screening method used in an attempt to detect early breast cancer. The method involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling.<unk>  was once promoted heavily as a means of finding cancer at a more curable stage, but large randomized controlled studies found that it was not effective in preventing death, and actually caused harm through needless biopsies, surgery, and anxiety. The World Health Organization and other organizations recommend against<unk> . Other organizations take a neutral stance, and do not recommend for or against<unk> . Breast awareness is an informal alternative to<unk> s.
Breast self-examination
Breast imaging
Breast MRI
Breast ultrasound
Breast biopsy
Breast duct endoscopy
Breast surgery
Xeromammography