Breast Cancer
Guidelines for Early Detection from American Cancer Society:
- All women should have yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as they are in good health
- Clinical breast exam should be part of a periodic health exam, preferably at least every THREE years in women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older.
- Women should report any breast change to their doctors without delay. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.
- Women at increased risk (family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer, etc.) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting screening earlier, having additional tests, or having more frequent exams.
(Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, American Cancer Society)
*** The guidelines above are for the early detection of cancer for people without symptoms. Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers, so they may need to have tests more often and start when they are younger. Talk with your health care professional to find out how these guidelines relate to you.
Cancer-Related Checkups
For individual undergoing periodic health examinations, a cancer-related checkup should include health counseling, and depending on a person's age, might include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, testes, and ovaries, as well as for some nonmalignant diseases.
For more information from the American Cancer Society, please visit www.cancer.org
Favorite Links
The ABCs of Breast Cancer Guide at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation site (komen.org) will walk you through all the decisions you will need to make, from type of biopsy to kind of treatment. The site is also noted for its inclusion of alternative treatments.
(Good Housekeeping, October 2006, pg 64)
In addition to basic information, breastcancer.org features clear analyses of the latest supplies, with an emphasis on how the results may apply to you.
(Good Housekeeping, October 2006, pg 64)
National Breast Cancer Organization (y-me.org) offers a hotline, guides to local support groups, and more.
(Good Housekeeping, October 2006, pg 64)
Breast Cancer Resource Directory of North Carolina (www.bcresourcedirectory.org) offers "one-stop" shopping for those seeking breast cancer information and resources including Educational Information, Support, Empowerment.