Breast Exams: Why They're Important

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American women (lung cancer is first). Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except skin cancer. Breast cancer occurs in men also, but the number of cases is small. Be sure to call your health provider if you notice any changes in how your breast or nipple looks or feels, including lumps, discharge, and changes in your breast’s skin, size, or shape.

Recommendations: Early Detection of Breast Cancer

• Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. See information on self exams (PDF)
• Physical breast exam by a health professional about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s
• Yearly mammograms starting at age 40
• Physical breast exam by a health professional each year for women 40 and over
• Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their healthcare provider.
• If you think you might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, see information about our high-risk care program.

The American Cancer Society recommends that some women – because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors – be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. Talk with your doctor about your history and whether you should have additional tests at an earlier age.

Self Breast Exams (SBEs)

Early detection is just another way that TriHealth is working to improve cancer survival and recovery from other breast health conditions.

To maintain breast health, familiarize yourself with how your breasts look and feel. Once you know that, you can identify when something doesn’t seem right.

Early breast cancer does not usually show symptoms – that’s why regular breast exams are important. Warning signs include:

• Thickened tissue under your arm or in or near breasts that does not go away after your period
• A lump or a mass that can feel as small as a pea
• Change in your breast’s size or shape
• Discharge (either bloody or clear) from your nipple
• Reddened skin on the breast or nipple
• Skin changes on the breast or nipple, such as dimpled, scaly or puckered
• An area that looks and or feels different from the rest of your breast
• A hardened area beneath the skin

The earlier you find a problem and get help, the better it is for your long-term health. TriHealth partners with women for life alongside their breast health journeys.

Clinical Breast Exams (CBEs)

Tell your health care provider as soon as possible about any change or new symptom you’ve noticed in your breasts, along with any family history of breast issues. Remember, most of the time such changes are NOT cancer.

Consider scheduling your CBE just before your mammogram. Ask your provider how to do a breast self-exam – and discuss the benefits and limitations. 

• Women in their 20s and 30s: At least every 3 years, get a CBE as part of a regular health exam by your provider.
• After age 40: Get a CBE once a year.
• Discuss what it means if you have dense breasts with your provider and Ohio’s law related to dense breasts.

Mammograms

Research supports the benefits of mammograms for women in their 40s. They are an effective measure to decrease suffering and death from breast cancer. Women in good health who are candidates for treatment should continue to be screened with mammograms, generally 40 and over once per year. If you’ve had an abnormal mammogram or your risk for breast cancer is high: You may need earlier screening or added tests.