It is the single most common cause of death in women between 35 to 40 years.Early detection is the key to achieving a higher cure rate.
High risk groupsFamily history of breast cancer
- Menopause after 55 yrs
- 1st child after 30 yrs.
- Never had a child
- Long term use of heart
- Radiation therapy
- Increased breast density on a mammogram.
- Personal history of cancer in any other part of the body
Methods of early detection - Breast self examination (bse) atleast once in a month
- Clinical examination by the doctor
- Mammogram - 80 to 90% o the cases can be detected by this method
- Ultra sound & MRI
- Fine needle aspiration cytology (fnac)
- Excision biopsy of suspicious breast lump
Breast Self Examination (BSE)The following steps need to be followed for a breast self-exam (BSE) to be complete:
- Look for lumps
- Thickenings
- Dimples
- Skin & nipple changes.
When the best time of the month to do a BSE is 7-10 days after the start of your periods
If you have any questions regarding bse contact your doctor
Remember to do your BSE regularly, conscientiously, and at the same time every month! '
MammogramA mammogram is an x ray of the breast taken to detect breast changes particularly cancer of the breast.
Mammogram how often? - Women above 40 yrs - every two years.
- Women below this age group but falling into the high risk category - every one to two yrs.
