When to opt for Breast Cancer Screening

We should note that any women can develop breast cancer at any time so every women should be aware of her own body so that they can notice any changes in their breast early. This includes the time in between breast screening appointments.

It is also very important for woman of all age group to find any changes in their breasts by themselves or by partners, so it is necessary to check your breasts regularly especially during the bath or the shower and also during application of body lotion or during dressing up.

Changes in breasts and armpit may be harmless, but every women especially high risk group-Family history of breast or ovarian cancer in first degree relative, radiation to chest around age of 10, early menarche and late menopause, hormone replacement treatment(HRT) for more than 10 yrs, postmenopausal obesity, dense breast, BRCA mutation,  h/o consuming alcohol(≥2drinks/day),  smoking and sedentary lifestyle and previous history of atypical breast biopsy,  should get them checked straight way by experience health professionals and every one  need to look out for:

• A change in shape or size of either or both breasts.
• An area of thickened tissue or lump or bumps in either breast.
• A lump or swelling in either of armpits.
• Skin looks like orange peel.
• Nipple not at same horizontal level.
• Crusting on or around the nipple.
• Discharge from nipple specially streaked with blood
• Dimples or skin that’s become drawn in.
• A nipple that’s become retracted.

If you fall in the risk factor group or have any of the mentioned symptoms, then you should definitely go for breast examination tests –

 Mammography –

Age 50-74yr, every 2year;

Age 40-49 and age≥75yr – individualize the decision (every 1-2yr, if performed).

Clinical Breast Examination(CBE)–Age 20-39yr, every 3 yr and age≥40yr, annually.

Breast Self Examination(BSE)—Age ≥ 20yr, optional, monthly and usually 2-3days post menstrual period.

Women > 75yr old whose life expectancy of ≥10yr, consider screening as above.

Women at very high risk may require earlier or additional screening. Women under 30 yrs of age who have undergone therapeutic radiation to the chest require earlier and additional screening.