What are the recommended guidelines for early detection of breast cancer?
A. The recommendation of the American Cancer Society and the nation’s leading health organizations is this three-step early detection program: • Have regular mammograms : Screening mammograms should begin by age 40, and should continue every year up until about age 75; after this time, it will be up to the discretion of the patient and healthcare provider to either continue annual mammograms, reduce mammograms to once every three years, or to discontinue mammograms altogether based on the patient’s overall health status and co-morbidities (other diseases that might make it difficult or even impossible for the patient to receive mammograms). • See your healthcare provider for regular breast exams : This should be done at least every three years between the ages of 20 and 40, and every year starting at age 40 and beyond. • Practice monthly breast self-exam : Ask your healthcare provider to teach you the proper method for breast self-examination. Please see our schedule of free breast sel
