According to the American Cancer Society, early screening for breast cancer and detection may increase a woman’s survival rate. The older a woman’s age, the higher the risk of breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer can occur in men and women, but is much more common in women. The cause of breast cancer remains unclear, yet the condition occurs when breast cells begin to develop abnormally. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer in women, reports MayoClinic.com.
Step 1
Perform a monthly breast self exam. Touch your breasts to feel for changes or simply look in the mirror for physical changes. Remember to perform the check after you have your monthly period. Advise your medical professional of any breast tissue changes you notice during the breast self-exam.
Step 2
Ask for a clinical breast exam if you are in your 20s or 30s during your regular health exam. Receive the CBE every two to three years by your medical professional. Discuss changes in breast tissue, family history or any other questions concerning breast cancer during your exam. Learn how to perform a breast self-exam if you unsure how to perform one.
Step 3
Receive a mammogram. The American Cancer Society suggests all women over the age of 40 receive a mammogram yearly while in good health. Mammography screening is a form of X-ray that identifies tumors or small abnormalities associated with breast cancer. Views of the breast are performed at different angles. Mammograms may not identify or miss some forms of breast cancer. Still, mammograms are an effective tool in breast cancer prevention, advises the cancer society. Understand that, in some cases, early prevention techniques such as mammograms should start at an early age due to heredity factors, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Step 4
Recognize other early signs of breast cancer; not all breast cancers are identified through lumps or abnormal growths in the breasts. Additional early breast cancer signs include itching around the nipple, dimpled breast skin, warm or hot breast skin as well as a lump near the armpit, according to Health Central. Visit your medical professional to discuss symptoms you are experiencing and further exam. Your medical professional will view mammogram results for detection of breast cancer, if applicable or perform a clinical breast exam.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
