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Home >> Mercy Cancer Institute >> Breast Cancer >> Breast Cancer Prevention & Detection

Breast Cancer Prevention & Detection
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Prevention  There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but there are things all women can do to reduce their risk. Limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight all decrease your risk of getting breast cancer. Women who breast-feed for at least several months may reduce their risk. Not using post-menopausal hormone therapy (PHT) can also help you avoid increased risk.
 
Early Detection  The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances that treatment will work. The size of a breast cancer and how far it has spread are the most important factors in predicting a patient's outlook. The following guidelines are recommended for finding breast cancer early in women without symptoms:
  • Mammogram: Women age 40+ should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue doing so for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a good way to find breast cancer. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best screening plan for them. This might mean starting mammograms when they are younger, having extra screening tests (such as an MRI), or having exams more often.
  • Clinical breast exam: Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular exam by a health expert, at least every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health expert every year. It is useful to schedule the clinical breast exam shortly before the mammogram.
  • Breast self-exam (BSE): BSE is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be aware of the benefits and limitations of BSE. It is okay not to do BSE, or not to do it on a regular schedule. Research has shown that BSE plays a small role in finding breast cancer compared with finding a breast lump by chance. Women should report any changes in how their breasts look or feel to a health expert right away (but remember that most of the time these breast changes are not cancer). If you choose to do BSE, you should have your doctor or nurse check your method to make sure you are doing it right.
BREAST CANCER