HomeHealth articlesbreast cancerWays to Detect Breast Cancer

How To Detect Breast Cancer?

Verified dataVerified data
0
How To Detect Breast Cancer?

1 min read

Share

This article discusses how to detect breast cancer through self-examination and mammogram test.

Written by

Dr. Gowrimeena

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At June 24, 2014
Reviewed AtAugust 1, 2023

Breast cancer is now emerging as one of the leading causes of death in women. Unfortunately, we do not have any vaccines to prevent breast cancer. The lumps may be painless, so patients may delay the visit to the doctor. A breast lump may be benign (simple or innocent) or malignant (cancer).

Early Detection Is the Key:

  • It can show up as lumps or swelling, skin changes over the breast, nipple changes, and discharge from nipples.
  • We advise all women particularly after age 30 to examine themselves once a month after their periods are over.

Mammogram Test to Ascertain Breast Cancer:

  • A mammogram is an X-ray test for the breast which we advise for women aged 40 and more. It can pick up abnormalities not felt by the examining hand. It is commonly perceived as a painful test, but it is only mildly uncomfortable.
  • This discomfort can be further minimized by taking the test after the periods are over when the breasts are soft and supple (Before periods due to hormonal changes breasts can be tender to touch).
  • For women less than age 35, a mammogram is done by ultrasound scan when we suspect a problem.
  • In women with a family history of cancers, breast cancer screening has to be done even earlier. Familial breast cancer constitutes only 10 % of all breast cancers.

Breastfeeding has been found to be protective against breast cancer in nursing mothers.

If you find any breast lump, nipple change or discharge, please consult your gynecologist immediately.

Dr. Gowrimeena
Dr. Gowrimeena

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Tags:

breast cancer
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

breast cancer

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy