Every Deaf and Hard of Hearing Woman Counts

Methods of Detection

How can we find breast cancer early?

Yes.There are currently 3 ways to find breast cancer early: Mammography, Clinical Breast Exams, and Self-Breast Exams. Let me tell you what you need to know about each of these 3 methods of early detection.

The first method is mammography. Mammography is an x-ray of the breast. On a first mammogram, a breast cancer can be found that is smaller than the size of a pea. (Showing the beads).When patients have had prior mammograms, her doctor can compare the earlier ones with the current mammogram. Doing this allows them to find ever smaller differences. Women should have a mammogram every 1-2 years beginning at age 40 and every year beginning at age 50. A mammogram can also be done at any age when the doctor or woman feels an abnormality in the breast tissue.

Most breast cancer occurs in the upper outer portion of the breast.

Since the Breast Tissue extends under the arm it is very important for the mammography technician to gently but firmly pull all of that breast tissue onto the mammography plate so it will be in the picture. This tugging, pulling and compression will last about 15 seconds. Also do not use deodorant or powder before your mammogram. This can cause false images on the x-ray.

Mammography can find 85% of breast cancers. Because 15% of breast cancers are missed by mammography, it is important for women to also use the other two methods of detecting breast cancer early.

In a Clinical Breast Exam, your doctor or nurse practitioner will do the breast exam for you. Beginning at age 20, this should be done every 3 years. Beginning at age 40, this should be done every year for the rest of your life.

Beginning at age 20, women should do a breast self exam every month as a supplement to mammography and a clinical breast exam every three years. You do this check by yourself at home. Please make sure you teach your loved ones to learn how to do it, too.