Breast cancer is the most common non-skin-related cancer among women and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. At Moreland OB-GYN, we believe breast self-awareness and routine mammograms are key to early detection and better health outcomes.
Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of breast cancer screening guidelines and best practices to help you stay proactive about your breast health.
Breast Self-Awareness
Breast self-awareness is crucial because breast cancer is often detected by patients themselves who notice changes in their breast tissue. A patient detecting breast cancer during a self-exam or when noticing changes while bathing or dressing happens in almost one-half of all cases of diagnosed breast cancer in women 50 years and older. Additionally, more than 70% of breast cancer cases in women younger than 50 years old were initially found by themselves.
While breast self-awareness plays a vital role in preventative care, a comprehensive approach to breast health includes several types of exams and screenings tailored to different stages of life.
Clinical Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam (CBE) is performed by a healthcare provider, such as an OB-GYN, as part of a routine checkup. Providers may have patients lie down or remain sitting to complete the exam. The breasts will be checked for any changes in size or shape, puckers, dimples, or skin redness. The provider may also feel for any changes in each breast or under each arm.
Mammography
Mammography remains the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop. A mammogram is a specialized x-ray of the breasts that can reveal abnormalities such as tumors or microcalcifications.
Mammograms serve two primary purposes:
- Screening mammogram: This is used as a preventive measure to screen and detect potential issues early for women with no signs or symptoms of the disease.
- Diagnostic mammogram: To perform a diagnostic test to check lumps or other symptoms found by the patient, ob-gyn provider or another health care professional.
It’s important to follow the recommended mammogram schedule based on your age and risk factors, which we will detail below.
Early breast cancer detection significantly increases survival rates—the five-year relative survival rate for women with localized breast cancer, detected early and confined to the breast, is 99%, according to the American Cancer Society.
Breast Self-Exam
While there is no longer a recommendation to perform self-breast exams on a routine basis, it is still important to know what is normal for your breasts in terms of both feel and appearance. A breast self-exam uses a combination of physical and visual examinations that help women identify changes or abnormalities in their breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. All changes, even small changes, should be reported to your ob-gyn or other health care professional.
*** While self-exams and being alert to breast changes can be valuable for early detection, this should never replace regular mammograms and clinical breast exams.
What Are the Current Breast Exam Guidelines?
The American Cancer Society provides detailed guidelines for breast cancer screenings based on age and risk factors.
Mammogram Guidelines 2024
- Ages 40-49: Mammograms are recommended every 1-2 years, beginning at age 40; and screening should be started no later than age 50.
- Ages 50-75: Annual screening should continue until at least age 75.
- Over age 75: The decision to continue screening should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Clinical Breast Exam Guidelines 2024
- Ages 25-39: Clinical breast exam every 1-3 years
- Ages 40+: Clinical breast exam every year
High-Risk Individuals
Please note the above guidelines are for women of average breast cancer risk, meaning:
- Women who do not have a personal history of breast cancer or a strong family history of breast cancer.
- Women who do not have a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Women who have not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.
Women at high risk should get breast cancer screenings earlier and more often, in addition to MRI tests in some cases. Your doctor can tell you what category you fall into and what guidelines you should follow, and determine whether or not you would be a candidate for genetic testing to better inform your personal breast cancer risk.
When to Talk to a Doctor
If you see or feel something unusual for you, even if it doesn’t seem significant, say something to your OB-GYN doctor. Breast cancer can manifest with many different symptoms, so awareness of your own body is critical. Possible symptoms of breast cancer can include:
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Skin dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Swollen lymph nodes
Take Control of Your Breast Health
If you notice any type of changes to your breasts, please don’t be shy about getting a doctor involved. Moreland OB-GYN’s healthcare providers welcome all your questions and concerns. We want you to be well and worry-free.
Remember, no set of guidelines is perfect, and no screening is guaranteed. But by staying up-to-date with the latest information and keeping in touch with your OB-GYN doctor, you can have peace of mind that you have done everything you can for a healthy future.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Moreland OB-GYN Associates, S.C., is dedicated to the needs of our patients and promotes overall excellence in women’s health care. Our compassionate providers understand the difficulties that women face in their daily health, and we are here to listen and provide expert care.
