Breast Exams

Posted Tuesday, September 4, 2007 to PATIENT STORIES > Breast

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Every woman, from her teens to her golden years of life, should understand breast cancer can come at any age, any ethnicity and without warning, reports consultant Gail Foster Zanville.

The following information is designed to help women understand there are positive ways to become a participant in your own well-being, protect your future and be pro-active in your breast health care. Understanding your own body and early detection of a problem can make the difference in your prognosis, treatment and ultimately your future.

Guidelines

• Annual mammograms over the age of 40 - clinical breast exams by a doctor or nurse close to the time of annual mammogram and about 10 days after your menstrual cycle.
• Under age 40 - yearly clinical exams.
• Monthly breast self exams (BSE)10 days after menstrual cycle.
• If there is a history of breast cancer in the family, speak to your physician and be very specific about who developed cancer and when they were diagnosed.
• He/she will inform you as to when you should have your first baseline mammogram.
• Always inform your physician about any medications you are taking, especially hormones.

The Reality

New Cases

• An estimated 175,000 invasive cases among women in the US in 1999.
• 1,300 new cases in men.
• In the 1990s rates in women have leveled off to about 110 cases in every 100,000 women.

Deaths

• An estimated 43,700 deaths in women.
• 400 men in 1999.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

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