Thursday, March 20, 2008

What kind of tests or examinations should be done for breast cancer

What kind of tests or examinations should be done for breast cancer?
So I am 20 years old and I began to become more worried about breast cancer. There is no history of breast cancer in my family but I just thought it would be good to do some early testing just in case. So I was wondering, what kind of tests should be done to detect breast cancer at age 20? I heard that mannograms should be done around 35. Is there any other examinations that you can do at an early age? And if there is where can I get them done? Regular family physician, gynocologist? Thanks everyone!
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
There is no reason to do screening tests at your age. You should get a breast exam when you have your annual pap. Mammograms are recommended annually starting at age 40. If you find a lump in your breast before then have your doctor check it. Exposing yourself to unnecessary radiation is never a good idea.
2 :
No need for anything special right now, other than your annual physical exam, it includes breast examination by a physician. Mammogram is traditionally recommended at 40 years old, but since cancer cases have become more frequent in patients previously considered of having a low-risk as young as 35, some specialists recommend to start the mammogram at age 35. Your doctor will give you the best advice about this. Since there's no history in your family, no need for genetic testing. Your family physician is more than qualified to do this, if there's any abnormal finding, you'll be referred to the gyno :)
3 :
You should be doing monthly breast self-examinations. Annual Dr check -ups should include breast examination. At about age 40 a base line mammogram should be done. After this, mammograms should be done every 2nd year. Unless there is an identified high risk factor, this should be enough to pick up any changes

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