News 25 has been reminding our viewers about the importance of monthly self–examinations on the 25th of every month.
But a recent study says women don't need to perform a monthly self–exam to notice unusual changes in their body.
News 25's Michelle Mantel has more.

The American Cancer Society no longer recommends women check their breasts every month. Instead they say women should be aware of the pros and cons of the test but cancer survivors disagree.

50 yearold Robin Palmer is a breast cancer survivor.
Her cancer was detected six years ago during a mammogram.
But she is one survivor who's looking at cancer as something in the past.

She said, "I was good to go no chemo no radiation. Now just healing."

Breast cancer patients, survivors and supporters get pampered at Peoria's Five Senses Salon.
It's their way of healing and supporting one another.

Palmer added, "Breast cancer is sort of a sisterhood.
Everybody in that room's been through what I was through and they understand what I'm going through as I understand what they're going through."

But what some people in that room don't understand is why a study would not recommend breast self exams.

Dr. John Murray said, "I would recommend every female and male check in with their family care provider and also their physician of choice to learn more about benefits and potential pit falls of self breast examination."

Susan G. Komen's Linda Maricle said, "Studies can say whatever studies do but the basics remain there those are the important things we need to do and can help ourselves as we try to end this disease forever."

Though other breast cancer indicators like mammograms play an important factor in breast cancer detection– many agree checking yourself is STILL one of the best ways of catching a lump before it gets too late.

Palmer said, "You know mammograms are great they found mine but to just tell people that it's not necessary I think is a little alarming."

"You don't want to throw something good out with a number of women who have found their own breast cancer through a breast self exam", said Maricle.

In Peoria Michelle Mantel News 25.