Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer.
Women of all ages need to be aware of their bodies, especially their breast health. Regular breast self-examination (BSE) is easy to perform, and it could save your life.
Most breast lumps are not cancerous. But if something unusual does show up during your breast self-examination, you will have given yourself an incredible gift - breast health problems found early are very treatable.
The Evergreen Breast Center endorses the current breast screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology:
Age 20-40 years
- Do a breast self exam monthly
- Have a clinical breast exam annually
- Have a first (baseline) mammogram by age 40
Age 40 and up
- Do a breast self exam monthly
- Have a clinical breast exam annually
- Have an annual mammogram
If you have a strong family history (mother/sister) you may want to discuss guidelines with your family physician.