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Early detection is key to survival in breast cancer. That’s
why medical experts agree that screening women for breast
cancer is appropriate, even if there are no symptoms of
the disease.
Breast cancer screening includes three main approaches:
breast self-exam (BSE), clinical breast exam, performed
by a physician; and mammography. Women are encouraged
to perform breast self-exams, beginning at age 20. If
done correctly and consistently, women will recognize
the normal changes that occur in their breasts during
their menstrual cycle and will be more likely to identify
abnormal changes.
Clinical breast exams, performed by a physician or
other health professional, should be conducted periodically
between the ages of 20 and 39 and then annually thereafter.
Training and experience allows healthcare professionals
to more accurately identify breast changes that may
warrant followup.
Mammograms, x-rays of the breast, are used to find
tumors that cannot be felt and are the most effective
screening tools available today. Women 40 years of age
and older should have an annual mammogram. University
Hospital’s mammography service includes the latest
digital mammography equipment, which allows the radiologist
to easily manipulate the image to provide the most precise
diagnosis.
Women who have an increased risk for breast cancer
are strongly advised to begin screening at an earlier
age and to undergo screenings more frequently than is
recommended for the general public. Women with a strong
family history of breast cancer, carriers of the BRCA1
and BRCA 2 mutated genes, or women with atypical hyperplasia
are typically advised to have annual clinical breast
exams beginning at age 20, increasing to every 6 months
at age 25, with annual mammograms beginning at age 25.
Women with risk factors should discuss their individualized
schedule of screening with their physicians.
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Screening
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