Breast cancer is currently the second most common cause of cancer death among women. It is estimated that one in every seven women will develop breast cancer by age eighty-five. Of those who develop breast cancer, approximately one-half will die. Fortunately, there are effective screening strategies that are available for early detection.

Early detection is imperative to prevent and diagnose breast cancer. In fact, mammograms are able to detect lesions two years before patients can feel them.

Women should begin having yearly screening mammograms at age 40 in combination with a clinic performed breast exam. Patients that have a first degree relative (mother or sister) with breast cancer should begin having a breast exam performed by their primary care provider every six months and an annual mammogram starting ten years prior to the age of the youngest family member that had breast cancer (but not earlier than age 25 and not later than age 40).

Young women should begin having a clinic based breast exam by their primary care providers by age twenty. Also, at this time they should start doing monthly self- breast exams. Self-exams can be performed anytime during the month. You should raise one arm and use the finger pads of your second, third and fourth fingers to feel around your breast in small circles, examining each point. It is important to check under your arms and to examine the nipple. All women should be aware of any changes in their breasts.

In summary, annual well-woman exams, selfbreast exams and patient education are the key to early detection of breast cancer. For more information on guidelines you can search the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org or give me a call at the Trinity Mother Frances clinic, 903-849- 5756.