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Breast Health 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.
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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.
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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.
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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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