> American Cancer Society Recommendations For Early Breast Cancer Detection

The underline principle for breast cancer screening is that it allows for the detection of abnormalities before they become blatant. Breast cancer is a progressive disease and small tumors are most likely to be an early stage disease, therefore, a better prognosis can aid to the successful treatment and cure of the disease.  

American Cancer Society (ACS) is the national community-based non-profit organization, which is devoted to eradicating cancer as a serious health problem by thwarting cancer, saving lives, and minimizing sufferings from cancer through education, advocacy, research and service. The ACS recommendations for early breast cancer detection include annual mammograms for women above 40 years, clinical breast exam every 3 years for women age between 20 and 30 and annual test for women age 40 and older. In addition, women should be able to recognize their breasts shape and size. ACS recommends breast self-exam for women age 20 and older. 

ACS guidelines: Provides valuable information on the American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and prostrate cancer. 

Early detection guidelines: Brief information on the American Cancer Society Guidelines for early detection. 

> Breast Awareness and Self-Examination

A. Positions

1. Stand and Lie Down: Stand in front of a mirror in three different positions: arms relaxed at side, arms raised above head, and hands on hips. See if there is any change in size and shape of the breasts, color and texture of the nipples and skin and direction your nipple point. In addition, check any staining on your nightclothes or bra from the nipples.
2. Flat position: Flat on your back with arms at 90-degree angle to examine the breast. Palpate the left breast with right hand and vice versa. 

B. Perimeter

The examination areas have 5 sides starting from the armpit down to the imaginary ridge of the blouse, across the braline, up the breastbone, across the collarbone and then back again to the armpit. 

C. Palpation with pads of fingers

Apply the pads of the three middle fingers jointly and scrutinize every inch of the breast tissue. Move the fingers in circular forms. 

D. Pressure

Apply three points of pressure for each palpation, from light to deep, to examine lumps that can occur at any depth. Using pressure is crucial, as the breast is not even. One needs to feel all the way through the pressure to the ribs.

There are several advantages of doing breast self-examination each month. First of all, it is easy to perform and it allows a woman to know how her breasts usually feel and be able to sense the change. It takes 15 minutes to examine, and an early detection is key to successful in treatment and cure. 

All about breast cancer: Detailed information on breast cancer including mammograms, clinical breast exam, breast awareness and self-exam, and MRI.

Breast self-examination: An overview on breast self-examination. Including how to follow the steps correctly. 

> Information about Mammograms

A Mammogram is a specific kind of X-ray test, which is performed to examine breasts. A mammography exam is used to detect and diagnose breast problems such as a lump or a solid mass. It can help diagnose early cancers that cannot be diagnosed or felt during breast self-exam. If a doctor learns from a mammogram that the woman has breast cancer, treatment can be started earlier. Women above 40 years of age should have a mammogram test every year; however, younger women who are at high-risk of breast cancer should consult a doctor about mammograms. In addition, women age 20 years and above are advised to do regular breast self-exams.

Many women feel uncomfortable about getting a mammogram, and the most genuine reasons include the fear of getting diagnosed, lack of knowledge about the process, and the lack of physical and mental preparedness. It is therefore, advised that women must prepare themselves before the test. Before scheduling a test, they need to discuss with the doctor about their problems, or prior surgeries, and family or personal history of breast cancer. Talk to the doctor comfortably and discuss each and every aspect of the test and the procedure as well.

A regular Mammogram test generally takes about twenty minutes to complete. Two X-rays are performed in two different positions for each breast, one top view and the other side view. If a woman is having implants or breast problems, more X-rays may be done.

Before starting the test, the outpatient is given a hospital gown. Take off the clothes from the waist up and wear the gown so that the front upper portion remains open. After that the outpatient is asked to sit or stand to a small X-ray table. The doctor doing the test will assist in placing one of the breasts on the X-ray plate. The breast is smoothly flattened between the two plastic plates for a few seconds and X-ray picture is taken. Another X-ray is taken after changing the position of the X-ray machine. The same procedure is followed for the other breast.

After the test, a radiologist examines the X-ray pictures. The doctor looks for asymmetries, uneven areas of high density, set of small calcifications, and skin thickening in breast. In case any abnormality is found, a doctor may go for other tests to confirm the disease.  

Mammogram Patient Education: Find information on mammogram, who should have a mammogram, how to get ready for a mammogram, how mammogram is a mammogram done, and more. 

All about mammogram: Detailed information on mammogram including what is mammogram, what happens during a mammogram, are mammograms accurate, and where can I get a mammogram.

About Mammography: All about mammography including the procedure, how is the procedure performed, and the benefits.