Failing Grade For Breast Exams?

Back in the 1970s, during the golden days of feminism, regularly examining one's breasts for cancer was a sign that a woman had taken control of her life and health and wasn't dependent on (mostly male) doctors. Since then breast self-exams have just seemed like a smart thing to do. After all, mammograms and medical checkups can't catch all breast tumors. And a little empowerment never hurt anybody.

Now comes word that breast self-exams may not be so helpful after all. After reviewing eight major studies, a Canadian task force has concluded that there is little evidence that the technique...