BREAST EXAM
WHAT ARE SCREENING TESTS?
Screening tests verify the presence of signs of disease, such as breast cancer, before the person has symptoms. The purpose of screening is to find cancer at an earlier stage when it can be treated.
Sometimes cancer is found that is very small or very slow growing during screening tests. These cancers do not usually cause death or disease throughout the person�s life.
BREAST EXAM
A clinical breast exam is a breast exam by a doctor or other health professional. The doctor will carefully feel the breasts and the area under the arms to detect masses or anything else that seems strange.
Women and men can perform breast self-exams to detect masses or other changes. Check with your doctor if you feel any lump or notice any other changes in your breasts.
RISK FACTORS TO DEVELOP BREAST CANCER:
Having close relatives who have had breast cancer.
Having had breast cancer.
Age (between 40 years and at least up to 65 to 70 years, also depending on family history).
An early menarche (before age 12).
The first birth after 30 years.
Not having children.
A menopause after age 55.
It is convenient for women to have the habit of examining themselves once a month). If they are used to examining themselves, they will notice a lesion that is appearing early.