Fight Breast Cancer: Early Detection is the Key

In a recent survey, more than 20% of patients who had chronic pain never mentioned it to their physicians, even if the discomfort was severe enough to interfere with daily activities and sleep. Doctors and patients need to get over what seems to be a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” mentality. So if your physician doesn’t bring it up, you should take the intiative — and the get the help you need.

You might be at risk for breast cancer if: You’re older than 50; a first-degree relative was diagnosed with the illness; you got pregnant with your first child at age 31 or above; you’ve never given birth; your first period occurred when you were nine or younger; you experienced late menopause at age 51 or above; you were exposed to ionizing radiation during childhood; or there’s post menopausal obesity, among others.

Starting age 20, you should perform a breast self-exam (BSE) on the seventh to the tenth day from the first day of your period. Women who have breast implants, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding should also perform a BSE. Menopausal women should ssign one day in a month for their BSE.

Ask your doctor to perform a clinical breast exam (CBE) periodically. For non-high risk: every three years from age 20 to 39, and every year beginning age 40. For high risk: every six to 12 months from age 20 to 35, and every tree to six months beginning age 35.

Have routine mammography screenings, too. For non-high risk: every year or two from age 40 to 49, and every year beginning age 50. For high risk: every one to two years beginning age 35.

Increase your chances of survival by keeping in mind the curable breast cancer equation: early detection = early diagnosis = early treatment.