Symptoms, Detection, Treatment

Many women think breast cancer cannot happen to them; they don’t need to be concerned with taking precautions to detect breast cancer early or prevent breast cancer all together. But that is simply not true. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women in America. One of the most effective methods, besides self-breast exam and clinical exam to detect breast cancer is an annual mammogram. Your health care provider at the Mankato Clinic knows that early detection is a top priority. That is why we have invested in state-of-the-art imaging equipment for our Diagnostic Breast Center.

How to detect breast cancer

There are three important steps to the early detection of breast cancer:

Breast Self-Examination: Monthly self-examinations should begin at the age of 20. Ask your physician to teach you the proper way to perform a self-exam. Report any lumps, thickenings or changes to your physician immediately.

Clinical Breast Examination: Annual clinical examinations should begin at the age of 40. Between the ages of 20 and 39, clinical breast exams should occur at least every three years.

Mammography: Annual mammograms should begin at the age of 40. If your family has a history of breast cancer, you should consult with your physician to determine the need for screening prior to the age of 40.

Mankato Clinic Breast Health and Imaging Center offers: