A STITCH
IN TIME

Breast Cancer Screening – the first step
towards early detection and prevention

What is Breast Cancer Screening?
It is the medical screening of healthy women in an attempt to detect Breast Cancer in the early stage.

How is Breast Cancer Screening beneficial?
Breast Cancer Screening helps to detect Cancer at an initial stage and enables early treatment to prevent the Cancer from spreading. Over the years, Breast Cancer Screening has helped reduce the mortality rate.

How is Breast Cancer Screening done?
Breast Cancer Screening can be done in two ways:

1. Breast Self Examination (BSE)
2. Medical Examination

1. Breast Self Examination: Every woman after the age of twenty years should start conducting breast selfexamination, once a month or just after a menstrual period when breasts are not tender or swollen.
♦ During examination check for any lump, change in shape of the breast or texture of skin and any secretion from nipples.
♦ Consult a local Oncologist to learn the method of self-examination.

2. Medical Examination: According to the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of Cancer, women aged more than 50 years should get mammograms done every 1-2 years interval

♦ Screening should continue as long as the woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.
♦ Women having a family history of Breast or Ovarian Cancer have a higher risk of developing Breast Cancer at an early age. Such women should undergo genetic testing (BRCA gene mutation test ) after consulting an Oncologist. Women having this gene mutation need special attention and should take preventive measures as advised by their Oncologist.
♦ Women at higher risk are those who have a family history of Breast, Ovary, Prostate and Pancreatic Cancer in any close relative like siblings, parents / grandparents or uncle / aunt.