Breast Cancer Screening Tests

Mammogram - A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is best screening tool used today to find breast cancer early. A mammogram can find cancer at an early stage when it is small and esaier to treat. Mammogram images can be stored on film (standard) or on a computer (digital).

Clinical breast exam - A breast exam by a health care provider should be part of your regular medical checkup. If it is not, ask for it. A clinical breast exam includes a visual examination and carefully feeling the entire breast - from the collarbone to the bra line, and from the armpit to the breastbone. If you are 40 or older, schedule your mammogram close to the time of your clinical breast exam.

Signs that you should not ignore

Be aware of any change in your breast or underarm area. If you notice any of the following signs, make an appointment with your health care provider right away.

• lumps, hard knot or thickening in any part of the breast
• swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• change in the size or shape of your breats
• dimpling or puckering of the skin
• itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• pulling in your nipple or other parts
• nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• new pain in one spot that does not go away

Know how your breast normally look and feel and report changes to your health care provider right away. Breast self-exam (BSE) is a tool that may help you learn what is normal for you. It includes looking at and feeling your breasts. Many women have a pattern of lumpiness in their breasts, which is normal. But if you feel or see any change in your breasts or underarms, ask your doctor to examine the area.

If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. A mammogram can find breast cancer before it can be felt. However, it is not perfect. But, when mammography is combined with clinical breast exam your chances for finding cancer are even greater.

Remember, even if you feel healthy now, just being a woman and getting older puts you at risk for breast cancer. Getting checked regularly can put your mind at ease. Finding cancer early may save your life.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer that women may face in their lifetime (except for skin cancer). It can occur at any age, but it is much more likely to occur after age 40 and as you get older. Because of certain factors, some women may have a greater chance of having breast cancer than others. But if you are getting older, you should know about breast cancer and what you can do about it.


What You Can Do
The best defense is to find breast cancer as early as possible, when it is easier to treat. Finding breast cancer early is called "early detection." The American Cancer Society recommends the following for early detection:

• Women should have mammograms each year starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as they are in good health.
• A breast exam by a doctor or nurse should be part of a regular health exam and should be done at least every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and older.
• Women should report any breast change to their doctors without delay. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting their 20s.

The American Cancer Society recommends that some women - because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain factors - be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. (The number of women who fall into this category is small - less than 2 percent of all the women in the United States.) Talk with your doctor about your history and whether you should have additional tests at an earlier age.

Facts about Cancer for Women

According to American Cancer Society, the cancers that most often affect women are breast, lung, colon, endometrical, ovarian, cervical, and skin cancers. Knowing about these diseases and what you can do can save your life.

The Best Defense Against Cancer

Early detection - finding a cancer early before it has spread - gives you the best chance to do something about it. Knowing about these cancers and what you can do can save your life.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.