Each year, thousands of women learn that they have breast cancer. It’s a scary diagnosis, but early detection provides the greatest possibility for successful treatment. Following this three-step approach is key to detecting the disease early.

Step 1: Breast Self-Examination
Performing a monthly breast self examination is the first step to early detection of breast cancer. “Self exams are important because only the patient knows if there’s been a change in her breast,” says UAB Surgical Oncologist Helen Krontiras, M.D. “The earlier they notice a change, the better — being aware of changes in the breast is key.”

It’s a good habit for a woman to start performing breast self examinations when she begins seeing her gynecologist, and to continue the exams throughout her life — even during pregnancy and after menopause. “There are several ways to examine breasts,” Krontiras says. “But make sure you pick the same time every month. A card in the shower is a good way to remember to perform your monthly exam.”

Changes in the breast may include the development of a lump; a discharge other than breast milk; swelling of the breast; skin irritation or dimpling; and nipple abnormalities (i.e., pain, redness, scaliness, turning inward). If any of these changes are noticed, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible for evaluation.

The American Cancer Society outlines how to perform a self breast exam here (link to http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_How_to_perform_a_breast_self_exam_5.asp?sitearea)

Step 2: Clinician Breast Exams
A doctor or nurse practitioner should perform a breast exam every year. This can be part of your yearly gynecological visit or a routine checkup. “The doctor or nurse can feel things the patient can’t feel or didn’t realize were important,” Krontiras says.

A physical breast examination by a physician or nurse is very similar to the procedures used for breast self-examination.

Step 3: Mammography
Mammography is a low-dose x-ray of the breasts to find changes that may occur. It is the most common imaging technique. “Mammography is important because it can detect breast cancer before you are able to feel it in a self-examination,” Krontiras says. “When breast cancer is caught early is when it’s most curable. It can detect non-palpable cancers that would grow for years before they were big enough to feel without mammography.”

The American Cancer Society recommends that by age 40, women should have a screening mammogram every year. (A diagnostic mammogram may be required when a questionable area is found during a screening mammogram.) After a mammogram, a biopsy may be necessary to determine if cancer cells exist in the breast.

Krontiras says that women who have a family history of breast cancer should begin getting mammograms 10 years younger than their youngest affected relative. So if your mother was diagnosed with the disease at 44, you should begin yearly mammograms at 34. However, talk to your doctor about the best course of action for you.

What to do if you feel a lump?
Many times, lumps you may find during a self examination are benign. However, don’t ignore anything. Talk to your doctor, who can perform a mammogram and other tests.

UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center provides an integrated multidisciplinary approach to modern cancer research and treatment through several clinical areas. For more information about the Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit http://www3.ccc.uab.edu/.