Screening for breast cancer | Breast Lumps

Usually health insurance companies offer women aged 30 and over after a free screening test year. For 50- 69-year-olds in addition to every two years is the mass of the X-ray examination of the breast voluntarily provided screening mammography.

At the initial consultation the gynecologist first write history data health of individuals and families of those affected, whether in the family such as breast and ovarian cancer has occurred. Very important is the information about the hormonal situation (at the first time, the older women and the last menstrual period), to have a problem with the cycle and family planning (pregnancy or infertility?).

The doctor should be informed about the drugs taken, in particular hormone preparation (birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptive measures or hormones for menopausal symptoms), if he does not do his own therapy.

When then subsequent breast physical examination (such as screening tests or regular date), the doctor looks first in shape and texture. He also noticed differences in the possible adverse skin lesions or scars. Then he examined her breasts with special Tasttechnik. He asks her to assume different postures: standing, sitting, arms akimbo, elevated above the head. He also controls the lymphatic and scan them from: armpit and the area above and below the collarbone.

For breast cancer screening study also included instructions for self-examination.

Women with an increased risk of hereditary breast cancer (see "breast cancer", section "Causes and Risk Factors") recommended screening with breast palpation, mammography, ultrasound, MRI and gynecological examination of the abdominal organs.

And: healthy women aged 20 and over can also go for cervical cancer screening test once a year for free.