Early Detection Tips to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

Share |

This article will help you learn how to examine your breasts for signs of cancer, and provide you with information about the tests a doctor can perform to screen for breast cancer and related cancers.

The Breast Self-Exam
You family doctor or your gynecologist may be the best person to teach you how to perform a breast exam. Each year, when you go in for your annual Pap test, most doctors perform a breast exam. If you do not know how to do one, then ask your doctor.

You should examine your breasts regularly, at least once a month for changes, as any cancer can develop unexpectedly. The best times to check your breasts are when you are relaxed, in the shower, and before or after your menses. You probably do not want to examine your breasts during menstruation, because around this time they are more likely to be tender, and you may feel lumps that are related to your hormonal cycle rather than cancer.

Here are some tips for performing your personal monthly breast exam.

  • First, stand in front of a mirror and place your arms at your sides. Notice the contours of your breasts, and check to see if your breasts appear normal in size and shape. Then, raise your arms and squeeze your chest muscles to see if any lumps "pop" up that you did not notice before.
  • Also check for unusual enlargement of one or both breasts, or any changes in the texture of the skin of your breasts. These may include dimpling of your breast or changes in the way your nipples appear.
  • With your arm raised, press firmly against your breasts using the padded part of your four fingers. Move your fingers firmly around your breast in a circular pattern, going around clockwise until you cover your entire breast. You should repeat the pattern you choose each month so you can more easily detect unusual changes. Some women also move their hands up and down the breast. Find a pattern that works for you and stick with it. Remember your doctor can also demonstrate these patterns.
  • Make sure you squeeze your nipple to check for discharge that is clear, tinged with blood or colored. If you notice this be sure to call your doctor.
  • Make a point to also check your breasts while lying flat on your back. You should also check your armpit for swollen lymph nodes.

Screening Available for Early Detection
If you find anything suspicious about your breasts, be sure to report this to your doctor. Your doctor may run several tests. First, they will likely perform a routine breast exam, much like the ones you do, to identify the mass or lump, or any other changes you noticed.

If your doctor suspects something is amiss, they may order a mammogram. This provides your doctor with an X-ray like image of the breast and breast tissue. A mammogram is not however, foolproof for detecting breast cancer.

Your doctor may also order an MRI, short for "magnetic resonance imaging" to screen for breast cancer. Some women with breast implants, including women with silicone breast implants, must have these screenings regularly, because they are more likely to detect breast cancer than a routine mammogram.

Usually a breast self exam is the best test for women who have a low risk of breast cancer and are under 30 years old. For women at increased risk, including those with a family history of cancer, or women with silicone breast implants (who may find self-exams difficult) a doctor may recommend starting mammograms or MRIs as early as age 30.

Other tools including the BRCAPRO are available as well as genetic testing to help detect a woman's risk for breast cancer.