October is breast cancer awareness month. As a breast cancer survivor (5 years and counting), I strongly encourage all women to get their screenings done.
Do you know how you should be screening for breast cancer? Here are the 3 ways to check your breasts. Remember, early detection means a higher chance of catching the cancer in its early stages.
- Monthly self breast exams (SBE): most women should examine their breasts monthly. The best time is right after your monthly bleed. That is when your reproductive hormone levels are at their lowest.
- It is recommended to check your breasts in the shower while the skin is wet and slippery.
- Perform a breast exam by taking your three middle fingers and placing them at the tip of your breast. Press down and work your way in a circle and then spiral outwards until you have checked the entire breast. Then check in the underarm area also. Repeat on the other side.
- Make sure to tell your doctor right away if you feel any lumps, pain/ discomfort, or swelling.
- Watch my video on how to conduct a SBE here:
- Annual clinical exam: Have your family doctor or OB/GYN check your breasts at least once a year.
- They will check both breasts and the underarm areas just as you do at home.
- Get your mammogram
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends yearly mammograms for any women over 40 years old. If you have an increased risk of cancer, you should start screening at age 35.
- If the radiologist finds anything suspicious on your mammogram, it may need to be repeated in 6 months.
- Other tests that may be recommended by your doctor include a breast ultrasound or MRI.
- I know mammograms are painful and annoying. My cancer was found at an early stage on my annual mammogram. Trust me, the discomfort of a mammogram is nothing compared to treatments for a cancer that is found in the later stages.
When I was working in oncology, I used to tell my patients to schedule their mammogram during their birthday month so it would be easy to remember when it is due. Try to go to the same place every year so the radiologist can compare your current mammogram to your previous ones. If you move or need to go to another place for your mammogram, make sure to get a copy of your previous ones and give it to the new doctor to review.