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Early Detection
When
breast cancer is found and treated early, the chances
for survival are better. Women can take an active
part in the early detection of breast cancer by having
regular screening mammograms and clinical breast exams
(breast exams performed by health professionals).
Most women should perform regular breast self examination
as this is the first step in screening and prevention
of the disease
 A
THREE- POINT EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM
- Get
a routine mammogram Y-ME and many other organizations
support the following guidelines for mammography:
- First mammogram around age 40; - 40 to 50 years
of age, get a mammogram every one to two years;
- 50 years and other older, get a mammogram every
year.
- See
your doctor on a regular basis.
A breast examination should be part of your routine
checkup. If you are 40 years and older you should
be checked by a doctor at least once a year.
- Perform
breast self-examination once a month. If you
find something that you know is unusual for you,
have a doctor check it out.
Breast
Self - Examination - The Key to Breast Health
Breast
Self - Examination or BSE takes just a few minutes,
and you only need to do it once a month. If you are
menstruating, perform BSE 7 to 10 days after the first
day of your period, when your breasts are least tender.
If you no longer menstruate, choose the same day each
month- to remind your self to BSE. As you do your
examination, keep in mind that your goal is to become
acquainted with how your breasts normally LOOK and
FEEL. Your knowledge for your breast texture and appearance
will increase the more you perform BSE. This knowledge
will help you identify a change more quickly and report
it to your doctor. Some of the changes you should
watch for include: - A lump or thickening in or near
the breast or underarm area. - A change in the size
or shape of the breast. - A puckering, dimpling, or
redness of the breast skin. Remember, a change you
see or feel in your breast does not automatically
mean you have breast cancer. But is best to report
any change to your doctor for further evaluation.
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