With Breast Cancer Awareness Month just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to remind women about the importance of early detection. The National Cancer Institute reports, “When breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98%.”
What Can Women Do?
Monthly self-examinations are the most important way to detect changes in your breasts. Contact your physician if you notice:
- Nipple tenderness or discharge
- Lumps that typically aren’t present in the breast/underarm region
- Changes in skin texture, such as dimpling
- Unexplained changes in the size or shape of the breast
Clinical breast examinations are conducted by a health professional, typically along with your annual exam. It’s similar to your self-exam, with the physician checking your skin, nipples, and breasts for abnormalities.
An annual mammogram, or x-ray of the breast tissue, is recommended for all women age 40 and over. Your physician may recommend a mammogram prior to age 40 if you have risk factors, such as mother or sister with breast or ovarian cancer.
Remember that each of these steps is a precaution. Many breast lumps are noncancerous, but testing is the only way to determine if cancer is present. The providers at Capital Women’s Care can answer any questions you may have about breast cancer.
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