Screening and detection

Guidelines

Screening Guidelines for All Ages of Women: Regular screening for breast and cervical cancer is important for good health. Guidelines for regular screening and early detection of breast and cervical cancer are as follows:

Women at high risk: Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctors about the best approach for them. This might mean starting mammograms when you are younger, having extra tests or having more frequent exams.

Mammography

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of your breast. Because a mammogram can find lumps and abnormalities that are too small for you or your doctor to feel, it is the best known method for early breast cancer detection. The purpose of a screening mammogram is to detect any abnormalities in a woman who has no symptoms of breast cancer.

How is a mammogram done?

When having a mammogram, you will be required to remove your top (including your bra) and the person who takes the x-rays will ask you to stand in front of a large mammography machine. You will be asked to place your breast between two plastic plates. The plates will press and somewhat flatten your breast. This may be uncomfortable but it will last only for a few seconds. In most cases, you will have x-rays taken of both breasts, one breast at time.

Once the x-ray pictures are made, a physician trained in reading x-rays (called a radiologist) will examine them to determine if your breasts have any unusual lumps or abnormalities.

How do I know if I need a mammogram? How often should I get a mammogram?

If you are age 40 or over, it is very important to get a mammogram. Because cancer can show up at any time, one mammogram is not enough. It is important to schedule and return for a mammogram every year.

How can I locate a mammography facility?

To find out where you can schedule mammography, do one of the following:

• Ask your doctor or nurse.
• Ask someone at your local health department.
• Check the information on this Web site regarding eligibility for free screening and mammography through BreastCare.

How can I prepare for mammography?

Preparation involves the following:

• Don’t wear any deodorant, perfume, powders, or ointments of any sort in the underarm area or on the breasts the day of your mammography exam. These products can cause shadows to appear on the mammogram.
• Because you will have to undress above the waist for the exam, wear a blouse with a skirt or slacks, rather than a dress.
• If possible, schedule a mammogram 1 week after your menstrual period. This is the time when your breasts are less tender.

Always follow the instructions of the office where you have scheduled mammography.

Clinical Breast Exams

Clinical breast examinations (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 or older. CBE can find a problem that is missed by mammograms and is an opportunity for women and their health care providers to discuss changes in their breasts, risk factors and early detection testing.

During a CBE, a health professional will carefully feel your breasts and under your arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes. Special attention will be given to the shape and texture of the breasts, location of any lumps, and whether such lumps are attached to the skin or to deeper tissues. The area under both arms will also be examined.

For women over age 40, a clinical breast exam is no substitute for regular mammography.

Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer also affects more than 1,000 men in this country each year. Although most information about breast cancer is written mainly for women, much of the information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the disease applies to men as well.

The discussion of breast cancer screening does not apply to men. Experts do not recommend routine screening for men.

Breast Self-Exams

Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Research has shown that BSE plays a small role in detecting breast cancer compared with self-awareness. However, doing BSE is one way for women to know how their breasts normally feel and to notice any changes.

It is important to see your doctor right away if you notice any of these changes: a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. But remember that most of the time these breast changes are not cancer.

How To Do Breast Self-Exams - Three Easy Steps

Lying Down

While lying down on your back place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right hand under your head. Using the finger pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand, examine each breast by pressing against your breast in a circular motion. Now repeat the exam using an up and down pattern. Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of your breast. Repeat these steps on your left breast.

In Front of a Mirror

Check for any changes in the shape or look of your breasts. Look for any skin or nipple changes like dimpling or nipple discharge. Inspect your breast in four steps: arms at side, arms overhead, hands on hips pressing firmly to flex chest muscles, and bending forward.

In The Shower

Raise your right arm. With soapy hands and your three left middle fingers flat, check your right breast using the same procedures described in the "lying down" position. Repeat on your left breast using the three middle fingers on your right hand. Be sure you feel for lumps above and below the collarbone and in the armpit area.

It is very important that you get to know your breasts by repeating the breast self-exam every month

Regular Screening for Early Detection of Breast and Cervical Cancer

Screening for breast and cervical cancer is testing women for early signs even though they have no symptoms. Regular screening can lead to early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Accepted screening procedures for breast cancer are mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams. The accepted screening procedure for cervical cancer is a Pap test at the appropriate age. Breast cancer found in its earliest stages can be much easier to cure. In fact, if women practiced early screening methods, about one-third of all breast cancer deaths could be prevented.

The accepted screening procedure for cervical cancer is a regular Pap test starting approximately three years after a woman becomes sexually active but no later than age 21. When detected early, invasive cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers with a five-year survival rate of 92 percent for localized cancers.

BreastCare, Arkansas Department of Health
4815 West Markham Street Slot 11
Little Rock, AR 72205
1-877-670-CARE (2273)

Copyright © 2007 Arkansas Department of Health, 501-661-2942