Detection of breast cancer in its earliest stages offers women the best long-term prognosis. For this reason, early detection of breast cancer relies on a combination of screening methods. The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening methods:
- Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
- Women in their 20's and 30's should have a clinical breast examination (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
- Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20's. Whether one chooses to learn to perform a systematic breast self exam, all women should be familiar with the texture of their breast tissue and report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
- Women at increased risk for breast cancer should talk with their health care provider about the benefits and limitations of starting mammograms at a younger age or having more frequent clinical breast exams.
Lahey Clinic's Breast Center offers you the highest quality screening for breast cancer. Dedicated breast surgeons and nurse practitioners conduct a through assessment to determine your risk for breast cancer and provide expert clinical breast examinations. They will help you to better understand your own breast tissue and perform your own breast self-exam if you so desire. Our professionals work closely and collaboratively with our professional staff of radiologists to interpret your breast imaging studies using the latest and most advanced technology. Any woman can refer herself to the Lahey Breast Center for a mammogram and clinical breast exam.
Some symptoms to watch for and report to your health care provider include:
A change in how the breast or nipple looks
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- A nipple that is inverted
- Scaly, red or swollen skin on the breast, areola, or nipple
Abnormal nipple discharge is rarely associated with cancer but may be of concern particularly in women with bloody nipple discharge.
A change in how the breast or nipple feels
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the armpit area
