Early detection of breast cancer Different breast examination frequencies for different populations

If breast cancer can be detected early, its cure rate is high. For people of different ages and different risk levels, the breast examinations they need are also different.

Breast examination in the general population

1. 18 to 39 years old: Breast self-examination once a month and physical examination by a specialist once every three years.

2. 40 to 49 years old: Annual physical examination by a specialist, breast ultrasound examination and mammogram. High-risk women should consult their doctors whether they need to start screening before the age of 40 and the intervals between breast ultrasound and mammogram between the ages of 40 and 49.

3. Over 50 years old: Have a physical examination by a specialist and a mammogram once a year, and have a breast self-examination once a month.

Breast examination for severe high-risk groups

1. Once high-risk factors are discovered, breast self-examination should be performed once a month.

2. Once high-risk factors are discovered, a physical examination by a breast specialist should be conducted every 4 to 6 months.

3. Starting at the age of 35, breast ultrasound and breast mammography should be performed once a year. If necessary, ultrasound examinations can be increased to twice a year.

4. If necessary, breast MRI examination should be performed once a year.

Tips: How to self-examine your breasts

Check your breasts while bathing: When bathing, apply soap to your breasts, check your left breast with your right hand and your right breast with your left hand, paying attention to any local thickening or lumps.

Check your breasts in front of a mirror: Choose a brightly lit place, fully expose both breasts, and face the mirror. When checking, raise both upper limbs and pay attention to whether the breasts are partially raised or sunken, and whether the nipples have changed; then put your hands on your waist and hips, tighten your chest muscles, and then check whether the breasts have changed.

Check the breasts while lying flat on the bed: Lie flat on your back. If checking the right breast, place a small thin pillow on the right shoulder and back, and put your right hand under your head. This will expose the breast tissue more evenly and facilitate the examination. When checking the left breast, put the four fingers of your right hand together, lay them flat, and gently touch the breast. Check the fingers in a certain direction, in sequence, and make circular movements.