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Breast Cancer

Breast examination by a doctor

10/04/2000

Question:

I am 26 years old and have been conducting a Breast self examination monthly for the past 6 months during the same time of the month just after I finish my periods. I have not found any lumps although I am still getting used to checking my breast and I feel that some areas are very lumpy,although this may be normal. Pls explain the following.

1. Do I have to get a doctor to examine my breast and if so how often? 2. When do I have to do a mamogram? 3. What is the purpose of a mamogram?

Thanks

Answer:

Thank you for your questions. 1. A professional breast examination is an important part of a woman`s physical examination. A breast exam by a health care provider is recommended every year after the age of 40. Before the age of 40, a breast exam would only be part of a physical.

2.When to begin mammograms: At the age of 39 or 40, the first mammogram is recommended and every year after that.

3.A mammogram is a low dose x-ray study of the breasts. The purpose of a mammogram is to detect breast cancer early in its development. A mammogram will identify an area of breast cancer when it is very small, two years before it can be felt with physical examination. When cancer is developing at an early stage, it will have a better reponse to treatment and may require less treatment. At this time it is the best method of screening. Mammograms are not routinely done before age 40 unless the woman has a strong family history(mother or sister) or symptoms of breast disease. Before the age of 40, the breasts are very dense making it difficult to detect lumps. Mammograms should be started at an earlier age if the woman`s mother and/or sister had premenopasual breast cancer. The time to start mammograms in this case would be 10 years before her relative was diagnosed. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40, you would start mammograms at age 30.

You are doing the right thing by performing self breast exam every month. You are doing this procedure at the right time. Because you become more and more familiar with your breast tissues, you will be able to tell when there is a change and that it is time to go to a breast specialist. Keep up the good work.

For more information:

Go to the Breast Cancer health topic, where you can:

Response by:

University of Cincinnati Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD
Formerly:
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati
Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD