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Breast Cancer
Exams and tests
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Mammograms are extremely important in detecting signs for breast cancer. Using low-dose x-rays, mammograms can usually find changes in the contour of breast tissue with more sensitivity and accuracy than clinical or self-examinations. With mammograms, cancer can be detected much earlier than through other means. They usually take about thirty minutes in the doctor’s office; patients complain of a slight pain or feeling of pressure. Please kee
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| Mammogram of a
glandular breast |
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p in mind, though, that the benefits outweigh the risks and temporary discomforts.
Women who are over 40 years in age should plan on having a mammogram once a year; women younger than 40 should have one every three years. If you detect a lump, call your doctor immediately. Even though the mammogram will not be able to detect whether or not the lump is cancerous (a biopsy will be needed to determine that), your doctor will be able to ascertain whether or not there are other bumps that have not been detected yet.
Clinical breast examinations (CBE) are also an important part of the early detection of breast cancer. Your doctor will give extra attention to the texture of your breast, any changes in the shape of your breasts, and any noticeable lumps. Women between 20 and 39 should get a CBE every three years; women over forty should plan on having one annually (close to the scheduled mammogram is best). |
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