If you have questions about when you should get a breast exam, you’re not alone. It’s a very common question among most women. You should start getting a clinical breast exam at age 20. A clinical breast exam is a physical exam done by a health care provider to check for any changes or abnormalities. Clinical breast exams continue to be a part of a routine screening, even after you begin having mammograms. Let’s breakdown when you should be getting breast screening exams by age.
When Should I Get a Breast Exam?
Ages 20-29
Clinical breast exam every 1-3 years to check for breast cancer
Ages 30-39
Clinical breast exam every 1-3 years to check for breast cancer
Ages 40-49
Mammogram and clinical breast exam every year to check for breast cancer
Ages 50-75
Mammogram and clinical breast exam every year to check for breast cancer
The power to detect breast cancer is in your hands.
Here are 3 major reasons you should get a breast exam:
- You are at higher risk of cancer if you drink alcohol, are overweight, or physically inactive
- 20-30% of women who develop breast cancer have a family history of the disease
- The older you are, the higher your risk is for developing breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of a lifetime, and your risk increases as you get older
Use this checklist to practice breast self-awareness. You can use it to take action and make informed choices about your health.
Learn about your family history. Talk to both sides of your family
- Talk to your health care provider about when you should get a breast exam and which screening tests are right for you
- Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years, beginning at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40
Know what is normal for you and schedule an appointment with your health care provider if you notice any of these changes in your breasts:
- swelling, redness or warmth
- lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or in your underarm area
- change in the shape or size of the breast
- puckering or dimpling of the skin
- nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- new pain that starts in one spot and doesn’t go away
- itchy, scaly or sore rash on the nipple
Make and maintain a healthy lifestyle by making these choices:
- maintain a healthy weight
- exercise regularly
- limit your alcohol intake
Regardless of your age, practice breast cancer awareness and be proactive about your health!
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. My OBGyne specializes in caring for you throughout every stage of your life. Schedule an appointment with My OBGyne for a Routine Well-Woman Check-Up and Exam.
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