Why would I need a breast exam?
Breast exams are an important part of preventive care for women of all ages. They can help detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable.
At The Iowa Clinic, our gynecologists provide comprehensive breast exams. We will check your breasts for any changes in size, shape, or texture. We will also feel your breasts for any lumps or other abnormalities.
Why are breast exams important?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Early detection is key to successful treatment of breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected early, it is more likely to be cured.
What should I expect during a breast exam?
During a breast exam, you will be asked to remove your shirt and bra. You may also be asked to lie down on a table.
Your doctor will begin by visually inspecting your breasts. They will look for any changes in size, shape, or texture. They will also look for any dimpling, discharge, or nipple retraction.
Next, your doctor will feel your breasts for any lumps or other abnormalities. They will use their fingertips to gently palpate your breast tissue.
Your doctor will also check your armpits for any lumps or swelling. This is because breast cancer can sometimes spread to the lymph nodes in the armpits.
How often should I have a breast exam?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women begin having breast exams at age 40. Women should have a breast exam every year until age 75.
Women who have a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or those who have had breast cancer themselves, may need to have breast exams earlier and/or more often.
What should I do if I find a lump in my breast?
If you find a lump in your breast, it is important to see your doctor right away. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it is important to have them evaluated by a doctor to rule out cancer.
What breast services are offered at The Iowa Clinic?
In addition to breast exams, The Iowa Clinic also offers a variety of other breast services, including:
- Mammography: Mammography is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can be used to detect breast cancer early.
- Breast ultrasound: Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that can be used to further evaluate breast abnormalities found on a mammogram or during a breast exam.
- Breast MRI: Breast MRI is a more detailed imaging test that can be used to diagnose breast cancer or to determine the extent of a known breast cancer.
- Breast biopsy: A breast biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of breast tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether or not it is cancerous.
If you have any questions or concerns about breast exams or other breast services, please talk to your doctor.