How to Detect and Prevent Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer can be cured if it is detected early. Age is one of the risk factors for breast cancer. Our OB Gynecologist usually suggests routine breast screenings. There are three ways for early detection of breast cancer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ob-gyn
• breast cancer awareness

1. Clinical Breast Exam is usually done by your OB Gynecologist during your annual visit. This is when your ob-gyn checks your breasts for lumps and unusual changes. If you are in your 20s or 30s, Clinical Breast Exam is recommended every 3 years. After age 40, Clinical Breast Exam is recommended every 1 to 2 years.

2. Breast Self-Examination is another type of routine breast screening for early detection of breast cancer. It is recommended that we examine our breasts once a month. A few days after your period is a good time to perform a Breast Self-Examination as your breasts are less likely to be tender or sore. For women who have irregular periods, you can examine your breasts at any time of the month.

3. Mammogram is a breast X-ray that can see small breast tumors. Talk to your ob-gyn about when to start and how often to have mammogram screening. This usually depends on your age, family history of breast cancer and if you have had cancer in one breast.

Resources

• Susan G. Komen Early Detection & Screening
• Mayo Clinic

[FrazzledNanny]

on 3/1/2009 Great article. This is so important! 5*