Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among US women and the second leading cause of death among women. Annual screenings for breast cancer can lead to early detection, which can oftentimes be easier to treat and cure.
Risks, Signs, & Symptoms
Breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women & men with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening is so important.
The average risk of a woman in the US developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%. Breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women, with the median age being 62. A very small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump, mass, or swelling in the breast tissue. Other symptoms include swelling in the lymph nodes, changes in size or shape of the breast or the nipple, and cloudy or bloody discharge from the nipple.
Breast Cancer Screenings at CBCC
CBCC’s dedicated Breast Center offers free mammograms for women 40 years old and older during the month of October, breast cancer awareness month. The center also offers exams, other testing, biopsy and various forms of cancer treatment. Additionally, free and low-cost mammograms are made available any time of year to women who qualify.
Contact our Breast Center (661) 616-1643 for details.
Breast Self Exam
The American Cancer Society recommends you do a self exam once a month starting in your 20s. Self exams can help you determine how your breasts normally look and feel, and help you identify any changes. Any changes should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Clinical breast exam CBE:
CBCC recommends getting a breast exam from a healthcare professional at least once every three years, starting in your 20s, and every year, starting in your 40s.
Mammogram
Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer at an early stage. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of your breasts that can detect changes in breast tissue that are too small or deep to feel with a physical exam. CBCC recommends all women 40 and older get a mammogram at least once per year. Women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer should talk to their doctor about starting mammograms earlier and considering alternative testing.
Other Tests
Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer at an early stage. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of your breasts that can detect changes in breast tissue that are too small or deep to feel with a physical exam. CBCC recommends all women 40 and older get a mammogram at least once per year. Women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer should talk to their doctor about starting mammograms earlier and considering alternative testing.
Biopsy
If a lump or abnormality is found, it is necessary to take a biopsy of the affected tissue to determine if cancer is present. More than 80% of breast lumps discovered are not cancerous.