Transcript Caring For Your Breasts - Women`s First Health Center

Caring For Your
Breasts:
The second in the series of screening
protocol updates
Created by Megan Blomeyer, St. George’s University, MS-IV
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer
in women, and is the second leading cause of cancer
related death in women.
In fact, one in eight women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer during their lifetime.
Mammograms
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
recommends a mammograms every two years
beginning at age 40 years as a screening tool for breast
cancer.
While at 50 years of age, yearly examinations are
suggested because the incidence of breast cancer
increases with age.
Clinical Breast Exams
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
suggests a clinical breast exam conducted by a physician
every 1-3 years for women aged 20-39 years.
Annual exams are recommended beginning at age 40
years.
Self Breast Examination
As of 2011, self breast examinations are no longer
recommended.
Instead, the concept of “breast self awareness” is
instituted. This idea encourages women to understand
the normal appearance and feel of their breasts, while
not requiring women to examine their breasts in any
particular interval or with specific techniques.
Summary
In summary, a mammogram every 2 years
beginning at age 40 then yearly starting at 50
years old is suggested.
Additionally, a breast examination conducted by
a physician every 1-3 years from ages 20-39 years
old followed by annual exams starting at age 40.
Additional Information
Visit the American College of Obstetrics and
Gynecology website,www.acog.org, or ask your
doctor for more information on breast care.
References
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Annual
Mammogram Now Recommended for Women Beginning at Age 40. 20
July 2011. Web. 24 June 2013.
<http://www.acog.org/About%20ACOG/News%20Room/News%20Rele
ases/2011/Annual%20Mammograms%20Now%20Recommended%20for
%20Women%20Beginning%20at%20Age%2040.aspx>.
National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast Cancer Facts. 2012. Web. 14
July 2013. <http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts>.