To achieve this goal, every woman past 35 years of age should have her breasts examined at least once a year by a doctor or a trained nurse. This would pose a problem from the standpoints of both time and economy and is hence not practical. Therefore, it is recommended that ladies should themselves perform a thorough and fairly frequent proper examination of the breasts. In case of detection of any abnormality, prompt medical advice should be sought.
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in the USA, next only to cardiovascular diseases.
In many industrialised countries, breast cancer is at the top among cancers in women. Similar figures have been reported from the other parts of the country. It has been estimated that there are about one and a half million cases of breast cancer in the country at the present time with about half a million new cases being added every year. Classically, the lump is hard, painless, immobile and demonstrates a degree of fixity to the surrounding tissues or the overlying skin. The lump may be visible on inspection and may cause distortion of the breast on elevation of the arms.