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 As a plastic surgeon, I often have discussions about creating the most beautiful breast possible. We discuss the risks of the procedures, as well as the expected benefits. However the number one thing on my mind as a clinician is to assure the patient and myself that they are safe and healthy. Number one on the list of health concerns is breast cancer. Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in woman. If diagnosed early, it is also easily treatable. Diagnosis requires cooperation between the patient and her physician. The most important part of diagnosis and prevention is taking your head out of the sand and becoming aware.
Know Your Risks
- Talk to your family and learn about your family health history.
- Talk to your doctor about your personal risks of breast cancer.
Get Screened
- Ask your doctor which screening test is right for you, especially if you have breast implants, previous breast surgery or at a higher risk.
- Have a mammogram (an x-ray of the breast) every year starting at age 40, if you are average risk.
- Have a clinical breast exam (an exam performed by your healthcare provider) at least every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40.
Know What Is Normal For You
- The Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a key part of any regimen designed to keep you healthy. The BSE is a tool that may help you learn what is normal for you. BSE includes looking at and feeling your breasts. If you notice any changes in your breasts, see your health care provider right away.
- BSE should be performed on a monthly basis beginning at age 20. The best time to do a BSE is the same time each month, usually after the menstrual period has ended and the breasts are less tender.
Breast Self-Examination
 Step 1: Lying down on your back Raise the right arm over your head. Use the index and middle fingers of your left hand to check your right breast. Press the breast using, light, medium and then firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin. Follow in an up and down pattern or in an radial fashion (like the hands of a clock. Feel for changes in your collarbone, as well as in the armpit. Most importantly, be thorough and examine every part of the breast.
Repeat on your left breast using your right hand.
Step 2: Standing in front of a mirror, look for changes when you; a) hold your hands at your side, b) hold your arms over your head, c) press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles, and d) bend forward with your hands on your hips.
See your health care provider immediately if you notice any of these findings:
- lump, hard knot or thickening
- swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
- change in the size or shape of the breast
- dimpling or puckering of the skin
- itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
- pulling in the nipple or other parts of your breast
- nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- new pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
Low-Cost and Free mammograms
Mammograms have the ability to detect breast cancer before they can be felt. However, a small percentage of Breast cancers cannot be identified by mammography. For these reasons, it is important to follow the guidelines for clinical breast examinations and to practice regular breast self-examinations.
Most insurance companies will cover the cost of a routine mammogram. In many areas, for those people without insurance for these examinations, low-cost or free mammograms are provided as part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, or through community organizations, such as the YWCA. You can also call Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Breast Care Helpline at
1-800 – I’M AWARE (1-800-462-9273), or visit
www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/certified.html to search for a list of certified radiology centers.
Helpful Links include:
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