As with any kind of cancer, early detection is the key to successful treatment. For most women this means the dreaded *cringe* mammogram and self-exams. The following are the recommendations from the American Cancer Society for screening and early detection of breast cancer:
- * Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
* Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
* Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
* Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
The American Cancer Society website contains a lot of information about detection and treatment plus other useful links.
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women aged 50 to 64 access to breast and cervical cancer screening tests and follow-up services.
The Breast Cancer Site teams with sponsors to provide free mammograms to for women in need — low-income, inner-city and minority women whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation offers educational materials and free mammograms to women as well as support groups for those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families.
Don't forget to tie your pink ribbons on!
