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of BREAST HEALTH CARE
A mammogram A mammogram A mammogram is an x-ray of your breast. It is simple, quick, easy and safe. A mammogram may detect a problem while it is still very small and treatable. Have your first mammogram by age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer discuss with your health care professional the need for having a mammogram at an earlier age.
Find a health care professional whom you like. Tell your health care professional that you need a mammogram. Make an appointment and keep it. If you need help to pay for a mammogram, call a health center, local hospital or the American Cancer Society at 800-639-1888.
Breast Self-Exam Checking your own breasts helps you know what is normal, so you will recognize changes when they occur. In front of a mirror: Look for lumps, dimples, unusual shapes or colors and other changes. Do this in three positions: hands at your side, hands raised above your head, hands on your hips and body bent forward. Resting on your back: Place a pillow under your right shoulder. Raise your right arm. Use your left hand to check entire right breast area. Use the pads of three fingers to check every inch of your breast tissue, going up and down. Move your fingers in dime sized circles. Use three levels of pressure - light, medium and deep - in each spot. Now move the pillow under your left shoulder. Repeat all these steps to check your entire left breast. Examine these areas of the breast tissue: underarm to lower bra and collarbone down to lower bra line, covering entire breast to breast bone. In the shower: Soap up your hands and check your breasts and underarm area for any lumps or thickening.
Do breast self-exam at the same time each month. If you find a lump or a change, don't delay - have it checked right away. Your lump may not be cancerous, but for your own peace of mind, see your health care professional to be sure.
Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam is done by a health care professional. Women age 20-40 should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years. Women over 40 should be examined each year.
Make your clinical breast exam appointment. Ask how you can improve your breast self-exam skills. Make sure to get answers to all your questions.
A mammogram Breast self-exam Clinical breast exam Breast cancer cannot be prevented yet. Most breast cancer is not hereditary.
Knowing if you have cancer is a lot easier to
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