Regular Breast Exams to Detect Breast Cancer Early

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the breast cells. Your chances of beating breast cancer increase when it is detected early. Survival rates of breast cancer are climbing because of early detection and advances in treatment. Regular breast exams play a significant role in detecting breast cancer.

Breast exams

Breast cancer can be treated in various ways. This depends on how far it has spread. Breast cancer that is found early when it is small and has not spread, is much easier to treat successfully. Detecting breast cancer early and getting quality cancer treatment helps to prevent deaths from this type of cancer. Breast self-exams and clinical breast exams are usually recommended for the detection of breast cancer.

Breast self-exams

Women should know how their breasts naturally feel and look. Any changes should be reported to a health care provider immediately. These changes could be something unusual such as discharge, a lump or skin change. A breast self-exam offers a way of finding breast cancer in its early stages. Patients have to check for changes such as thickening or lumps on the breasts on their own.

Most times, the changes are not cancer, but it is good for an individual to see a doctor. The odds of early detection can increase by performing breast self-exam in combination with other recommended screening methods. However, medical groups do not agree on whether patients should perform breast self-exams. Seeking the advice of a doctor on whether it would be helpful is advisable.

Clinical breast exams

A breast physical exam is an important part of routine checkups. It involves a manual examination of the breast by a health professional such as a doctor. Although women find most lumps during a breast self-exam, sometimes they can miss them. This exam can find lumps that women may miss during their own inspections. A clinical breast exam can also detect an abnormality that may not be easy to feel if someone does not have the experience to recognize it. A health professional can detect changes such as thickening, lumps and asymmetry that many people may deem to be normal.

The exam may be recommended more frequently for people with a strong family history of breast cancer. Breast exams should be scheduled after the menstrual period ends because the breasts will not be as swollen and tender. This makes it more convenient and easier to detect and notice any unusual changes. If a woman has stopped menstruating, it should be scheduled on a day that is easy for the patient to remember.

Complete breast cancer screening

Breast self-exams and clinical exams are important ways of early breast cancer detection. These methods should be performed along with mammography. These three methods provide complete breast cancer screening. You should work closely with your doctor to determine what works for you. If you want to find out more about breast exams for early detection, contact your doctor.

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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