Early Detection is the Key

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But that doesn’t mean October is the only time to think about breast health.

Breast health awareness should be happening for women 30 and older all year round.

According to the Brooklyn Health Center, the key to avoiding the disease is early detection, and with today's technology and advanced treatments, there are many ways to save lives.

The American Cancer Society recommends that if you're 40 or older, you should begin examining your breast every month, going for annual breast checkups and getting a mammogram every year. Contrary to previous reports that gave the age for beginning mammogram checkups at 50, doctors are saying unequivocally that the earlier the checkups, the better.

“The recommendation is that women over 40 get their mammograms and early screenings," said John Link, director of special events from the American Cancer Society's Queens office. " They should also encourage their families to talk to their doctors to get the ball started earlier than 40. Early detection is key.”

If you are without health insurance, it becomes even more necessary that you learn to make a practice of breast self-examinations. Monthly breast self-exams should always include: visual inspection (with and without a mirror) to note any changes in contour or texture; and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.

Even if you’re between 20 and 39, examine your breasts every month and have a clinical breast checkup every three years or as recommended by your doctor. You may need a mammogram before 40 if you have risk factors.

One of the best gifts you can give yourself is a monthly breast self-exam (BSE). This will help you learn how your breasts normally feel, so if you find a lump or anything else out of the ordinary, you can tell your physician immediately.

BSE is a useful and essential screening technique, especially when combined with mammography and regular physical exams by your doctor. About 20 percent of the time, breast cancers are found by BSE rather than by mammography.

For more information on how to perform a breast self-exam, check the Healthcare Library section of www.tbh.org.