If breast cancer is detected early, the survival rate is about 95 percent. And if it is found when it is still in situ, or before it has become invasive, survival rates are close to 100 percent. Women whose breast cancer is detected early by one of these methods greatly reduce their odds of dying from breast cancer and significantly improve their chances of being able to take advantage of the latest breast-sparing surgical treatments. They may also avoid the need for additional treatments like chemotherapy. The best time to perform BSE is seven to 10 days following the start of your menstrual period, when your breasts are less apt to be tender or swollen.
Postmenopausal women can pick any day of the month to examine their breasts.
If you find a lump that does not go away after your next menstrual period, see your physician. But remember, the majority of lumps are not cancerous. However, it does not detect about 10 to 15 percent of cancers, so it is not a replacement for BSE or clinical breast examination. David Rose, MD, director of Breast Imaging at Emerson Hospital, recommends that most women have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40, and an annual mammogram after age 40. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may need earlier screening and should discuss their screening schedule with their primary care physician.