| Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for
Preventive Care The thought of having
breast cancer is frightening to everyone, and especially devastating to women. But,
ignoring the possibility that you may develop breast cancer or avoiding the processes to
detect cancer, can be dangerous.
Although there are some women who are at higher risk, the fact is that all women are at risk for breast cancer. That is why it is so important to follow this three-step plan for
preventive care. Although breast cancer cannot be prevented at the present time, early
detection of problems provides the greatest possibility of successful treatment.
What is the three-step plan?
Routine care is the best way to keep you and your breasts healthy. Although detecting
breast cancer at its earliest stages is the main goal of routine breast care, other benign
conditions, such as fibrocystic breasts, are often discovered through routine care.
| Step 1. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) A woman
should begin practicing breast self-examination by the age of 20 and continue the practice
throughout her life -- even during pregnancy and after menopause. BSE should be done
regularly at the same time every month. Regular BSE teaches you to know how your breasts
normally feel so that you can more readily detect any change. Changes may include:
- development of a lump
- a discharge other than breast milk
- swelling of the breast
- skin irritation or dimpling
- nipple abnormalities (i.e., pain, redness, scaliness, turning inward)
If you notice any of these changes, see your health care provider as soon as possible
for evaluation. |
| Step 2. Clinical Examination A breast examination
by a physician or nurse trained to evaluate breast problems should be part of a woman's
physical examination. The American Cancer Society recommends:
- Between the ages of 20 and 39, women should have a clinical breast examination by a
health professional every 3 years.
- After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
A physical breast examination by a physician or nurse is very similar to the procedures
used for breast self examination. Women who routinely practice BSE will be prepared to ask
questions and have their concerns addressed during this time. |
| Step 3. Mammography Mammography is a low-dose
x-ray of the breasts to find changes that may occur. It is the most common imaging
technique. Mammography can detect cancer or other problems before a lump becomes large
enough to be felt, as well as assist in the diagnosis of other breast problems. However, a
biopsy is required to confirm the presence of cancer.
Because when to begin and how often to have mammograms is controversial,
talk with your physician about a mammography schedule that is appropriate for you based on
your overall health and medical history, risk factors, and personal opinion or
preference.
According to the National Cancer Institute, women in their 40s and older
should begin having a screening mammogram on a regular basis, every 1 to 2 years. But, the
American Cancer Society recommends that by age 40, women should have a screening mammogram
every year. (A diagnostic mammogram may be required when a questionable area is found
during a screening mammogram.)
Both organizations suggest that women who may be at increased risk for
breast cancer should talk with their physicians about whether to begin having mammograms
at an earlier age. |
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