Breast Cancer Helpline
For more information about breast health or breast cancer, please call the Komen Foundation's National Toll Free Breast Cancer Helpline at 1-800-I'M AWARE (1-800-462-9273), or visit their website at www.komen.org.
breast cancer fact
Build exercise into your daily routine. Exercise reduces estrogen levels, and boosts immune system cells that attack tumors.
Screening Method
Early detection is the key to a greater chance of survival and more treatment options. Mammography is the best known method of early detection. Monthly breast self-examinations and regular clinical breast examinations by a health care professional are also important components of a breast health program.
The Komen Foundation recommends the following screening guidelines:
- Annual screening mammography for women beginning at age 40.
- Clinical breast examinations at least every 3 years beginning at age 20, and annually after age 40.
- Monthly breast self-examination beginning by age 20.
Women under age 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult a trained medical professional about when to begin screening mammography.
Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. The purpose of a screening mammogram is to detect an unsuspected abnormality in a woman who is not having any new breast problems or symptoms. Mammography has the ability to detect breast cancers before they can be felt. However a small percentage of breast cancers are not detected by mammography -- even lumps one can feel may not be seen on x-rays.
Therefore, it is also important for women to perform monthly breast self-examination and to have regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional.
Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)
Performed by a trained medical professional, a clinical breast exam includes inspection (looking) and palpation (feeling) of the entire breast/chest area including the lymph node areas above and below the collarbone and under each arm.
A small percentage of breast cancers are not detected by mammography but can be felt during a clinical breast examination. Therefore it is important that a woman have both her mammogram and clinical breast exam done in the same month.
| BSE includes both looking and feeling over the entire breast and chest area. Feeling (palpation) should be done in two positions -- while lying down and while bathing. The steps can be performed in any order, but each step is important. When examining the breasts, women should use a vertical pattern, cover the entire breast, and use adequate pressure (light, medium, and firm). It is important to use the pads, not the tips, of the fingers. The time required varies with the size of a woman's breasts. At the same time each month, check for any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts. Look for a lump, hard knot, or skin that thickens or dimples. Lying DownPlace a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right hand under your head. Check your entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand. Use small circles and follow an up and down pattern. Use light, medium and firm pressure over each area of your breast. Repeat these steps on your left breast. Before A MirrorCheck for any changes in the shape or look of your breasts. Note any skin or nipple changes such as dimpling or nipple discharge. Inspect your breasts in four steps: arms at side, arms overhead, hands on hips pressing firmly to flex chest muscles, and bending forward. In The ShowerRaise your right arm. With soapy hand and fingers flat, check your right breast. Use the method described in the "Lying Down" step. Repeat on your left breast. Report any changes to your doctor or nurse. Go for regular breast exams and pap tests. Ask about a mammogram. |
