[Definitions]

[Signs and
Symptoms]

[Self-Exam]

[Risk Factors]

[Reducing
Risk]

[Screening]

[Test Your Knowledge]

[Resources]

  

Screening

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. It is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of death from cancer in women. Screening to find the disease early and treat it can change the course of the disease. Nearly 97% of women whose breast cancer was found at an early stage live more than 5 years.
 

Age

Examination

Frequency

20-39

 Breast Self-Exam (BSE) 

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) 

Monthly

Three year intervals

40-49

 Breast Self-Exam (BSE) 

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) 

Mammogram*

 Monthly

Every year

Every year

50 and older

 Breast Self-Exam (BSE) 

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)

Mammogram*

Monthly

Every year

Every year

Source: American Cancer Society (2000) 

Call 1-800-ACS-2345 to find out where you can have a mammogram in your area.

Note: National Cancer Institute and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology  recommend you have a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40.

*Note: Some centers have machines that can adapt to meet your needs as a woman with a disability. Talk to your doctor or nurse about finding such a center.

 

 

09/28/2003 04:17 PM