Know what is normal for you An important step to reducing the risk of breast cancer is becoming familiar with our breasts so that we will be able to quickly detect any changes or abnormalities. To learn about the warning signs, please visit this website. Rather than relying exclusively on monthly self-exams (which are far from fool proof and can give a false sense of reassurance that nothing is amiss), research suggests that continuous awareness of what feels normal is the best approach to early detection. Clinical breast exams and mammograms are much more effective in detecting abnormalities early, when the cancer is more treatable.
Clinical Breast Exam A clinical breast exam is an exam performed by a trained professional. A clinical exam may be able to detect lumps before you would find them during a self-exam. A thorough exam takes about 10 minutes. A woman should start getting clincial breast exams when she is about 20 years, and get one every 3 years, and then annually after age 40. Some of us may be uninsured and therefore may not get clinical breast or cervical exams. But there are options for uninsured women in the Lansing area, such as: Ingham Health Plan, Planned Parenthood, and the Women’s Clinic at the Ingham Health Department. Contact the Health Team at 517-367-2468 if you would like assistance in obtaining health coverage (such as the Ingham Health Plan ) or health services.
Mammogram Mammograms are X-rays of the breast. Each breast is compressed between two plates and an x-ray image is made. It takes about 15 minutes for the entire procedure. Women are recommended to get annual mammograms starting at the age of 40. Mammograms can detect breast cancer far before self-exams and clinical exams can, and when breast cancer is caught in its earliest stage, 95% of women are healthy and disease free after 5 years. While some women find mammograms to be unpleasant, we have found some tips that help make the experience more pleasant: taking a tylenol or ibuprofen about an hour before the appointment and planning on doing something fun afterwards can help make the day better. 
What happens if a lump or abnormality is found? If a lump or abnormality is found, a diagnostic mammorgram is usually ordered, which is different than a routine screening mammogram, because it involves additional X-ray views from different angles and/or special magnification. Depending on the results, additional breast imagning, like an ultrasound, may be ordered. Depending on the results of the mammogram and additional imaging tests, a breast biopsy may be performed. A biopsy involves removing a sample of breast tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present. Sometimes, a biopsy will be performed even if breast-imaging tests are normal. This usually happens when the physician suspects that the breast lump is suspicious regardless of the results of the imaging tests. For more information about breast cancer and treatment options, visit the breast cancer information page .
