Your Early Detection Program
 | Yearly mammogram beginning at age 40. |
| Annual clinical breast examination (CBE) starting at age 20. |
| Learn the normal feel of your breasts, and check them yourself regularly. |
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Take Charge of Your Breast Health - Make a Plan
When detected early - often before it can be felt - breast cancer can be treated
successfully. About 97% of women treated for early-stage breast cancer are alive five years
later, and most can be treated without losing a breast. Mammography screening can lead to decreased mortality by detecting cancer
earlier, which is often before a tumor is palpable.
| Mammography is safe and highly accurate in finding breast
cancer. Have your doctor make an appointment or schedule one
yourself. |
| A good breast exam should take about 2-4 minutes. The doctor or nurse should
observe your breasts from various angles and ask you to place your hands
above your head, then on your hips in order to look for any changes in shape
or size. Then, they should examine your breasts while you are sitting up and
lying down. |
| Many women have lumpy breasts, which are usually not cause for
worry. However, if you feel a change or a lump that is new, be sure to have it checked by a doctor or nurse right
away. |
Learning about breast cancer, knowing you're at risk and following an early detection program are important steps for every woman to take.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the U.S. today, and every woman is at
risk. Many women don't know the facts about breast cancer - although there is no certain way to prevent the
disease, there are ways that each woman can protect her health by establishing an early detection program.
There are other steps you can take for good breast health. Researchers are continuing to explore the effect that a
healthy, active lifestyle can have on reducing breast cancer risk. A National Cancer Institute study has shown that adult women who are at a healthy to slim weight and those who lose excess weight have a lower incidence of breast cancer than women who are
overweight, especially those age 40 and older.
A large study has shown that breast cancer risk increases as a woman gains weight during
adulthood. While it is not yet known whether losing weight will reduce breast cancer
risk, maintaining a lifelong healthy weight is good for your breast health, for your heart and
bones, and for your self-esteem.
Results of breast cancer research also suggest that you:
| Maintain a diet low in fat, including fruits, vegetables and whole
grains. These low-calorie, high-fiber foods have proven health
benefits. |
| Drink alcohol in moderation - if at all. Regular use of even small amount of alcohol -
liquor, beer or wine-has been shown to increase breast cancer
risk. |
| Don't smoke. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease and many chronic
illnesses, and negatively affects the health of others. |
| Exercise regularly. Work out, do aerobics, bike or walk briskly - exercise to raise your heart rate, three or more times a
week. Several studies have shown that regular, vigorous exercise can reduce breast cancer
risk. |
| Know your family health history. A history of breast cancer or other cancers in close relative may influence your own
risk. Discuss this with your doctor. |
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