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If you’re like most women, the possibility of developing breast cancer or other diseases and disorders of the breast is not something that you like to think about. While some women do have a higher risk of developing breast disease, all women carry some level of risk. Because of this, it is critical for women to be proactive in taking proper care of themselves by performing routine breast care procedures.
Although many changes in the breast are benign and not cause for concern, some changes require additional testing and evaluation to determine whether treatment is needed. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are vital to increasing your likelihood of successfully treating any breast-related issues.
Breast Self-Examination
The first step in routine care should be a monthly breast self-exam. Starting in their 20s, women should begin conducting self-exams and continue for the rest of life, even during pregnancy and menopause.
A breast self-exam (BSE) ideally should be done regularly at the same time each month. Performing the test regularly will teach you how your breasts normally feel so that you can more easily identify any changes that may occur. Performing the test at the same time each month ensures that normal monthly fluctuations in your hormones that impact breast tissue aren’t mistakenly perceived as problems.
If you detect any lumps, swelling, discharge, rippling or dimpling in the skin, or if you are experiencing pain or redness, contact your physician as soon as possible for further evaluation.
Clinical Breast Examination
As part of your regular annual checkup, you should have a breast examination performed by a doctor or nurse. A clinical breast examination is similar to the process used in a BSE, but is conducted by a trained clinician and is often more thorough.
Mammography
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray used to identify potential abnormalities in the breast. A mammogram can detect lumps and other issues much earlier than they can be detected through a physical examination. If a mammogram identifies a lump or other abnormality, further testing is required to diagnose any problems.
Although recommendations on when to begin getting screening mammograms vary, most indicate women should start with an annual or biannual mammogram beginning at age 40. If you are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, talk with your doctor about starting mammograms earlier.