Screening and Early Detection
Regular screening tests (along with follow-up tests and treatment if diagnosed) reduce your chance of dying from breast cancer. After all, screening tests can find breast cancer early, when the chances of survival are highest. That’s why we fund local programs that provide screening tests in communities. So more people can have access to these valuable and important tools. But there are also things you can do to help improve your chances of early detection.
Know Your Normal
When other parts of your body look or feel different than they normally do, you notice. For example, if you see an unusual rash on your arm, or a worrisome change in a mole or have a toothache, you’re likely to visit your health care provider to check it out. The same should apply to any changes in your breasts.
Understand The Warning Signs & Symptoms
Due to the use of regular mammography screening, most breast cancers in the U.S. are found at an early stage, before symptoms appear. However, not all breast cancers are found through mammography. The warning signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. The most common symptoms are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge. Learn more.
– See more at: http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/earlydetectionampscreening.html#sthash.FjSGTu97.dpuf