What are the Best Tips for Checking for Breast Cancer?

Among the best tips for checking for breast cancer are those that involve performing regular self-examinations and asking a doctor whether one's self-examination techniques are adequate. A woman may also benefit from seeing a doctor for periodic clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended for her age and cancer risk level. Tips that involve the avoidance of panic in the event a lump is found may prove helpful as well.

One of the best tips for checking for breast cancer involves frequency. Women are typically advised to perform self breast exams monthly in order to detect changes that could indicate breast cancer. Most health experts recommend that women not only use their fingers to perform breast examinations but also their eyes. The fingers are good for detecting breast tissue changes that could warrant a doctor’s attention. The eyes, on the other hand, may detect changes in the appearance of the breast that may indicate breast cancer.

Another good tip for checking for breast cancer involves seeing one’s doctor. A woman may visit her doctor and ask whether the breast examination techniques she is using are adequate for detecting potentially troubling changes. A doctor may observe a woman’s technique or listen to her description of it and then offer feedback. In some cases, a doctor may offer suggestions for improving examination techniques.

Also among the best tips for checking for breast cancer are those that involve examination by a doctor. Many health experts recommend that women younger than 40 visit their doctors for breast examinations at least once every three years. After 40, however, the general advice is to visit a doctor for a breast examination once each year.

Often, the best tips for checking for breast cancer involve mammograms. A mammogram is a special type of x-ray used to detect breast changes that may indicate the development of breast cancer. Typically, health experts recommended that women have a mammogram every year or two after they reach 40 years of age. If a woman is considered high risk for breast cancer, however, she may be advised to begin having regular mammograms before she turns 40. If a woman has a higher-than-normal risk of developing breast cancer, however, her doctor will usually advise her on the frequency with which she should have mammograms.

The best tips for checking for breast cancer may also include those that advise against panicking. Finding a lump during a breast self exam or getting abnormal results on a mammogram doesn’t always mean a woman has cancer. In some cases, breast changes are the result of cysts or other benign issues.