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Schedule For Doctor Visits To Get Your Breasts Checked

By Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit in Breast Cancer

Nov 23 , 2022 | 3 min read

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in the United States and is the second leading cause of death among women. However, steps can be taken to protect your breasts from this deadly disease. In this article, I'll share a schedule for doctor visits that will help you get your breasts checked annually, which doctors recommend.

What's the Purpose of Doctor Checkups?

There are a few different purposes for doctor check-ups. One is to ensure you are staying healthy and are on track with your health goals. Another purpose is to catch any potential health problems early before they become serious. And lastly, doctor check-ups can help you maintain or improve your overall health and well-being.

During a doctor check-up, your doctor will usually take your vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and weight and ask about your family and personal medical history and current symptoms. A physical examination may be conducted, which may include a breast exam. Depending on your age, sex, family history, and other risk factors, your doctor may recommend additional screenings or tests, such as a mammogram or Pap test.

Overall, doctor check-ups are important because they help you stay healthy and catch potential problems early. So be sure to schedule regular appointments with your doctor!

Breast Checks: When to Get Them Done and How Often

According to the CDC, women over 40 must get a yearly mammogram. However, you may need to get them frequently if breast cancer runs in the family or there are other factors that put you at risk.

Suppose you're under the age of 40. In which case the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends that you talk to a doctor about when to start going for mammograms and their frequency. Clinical recommendations for mammograms in women in their 20s and 30s are every three years and every year for women over 40.

You should also perform breast self-exams at least once a month. This can help you familiarize yourself with how your breasts look and usually feel so you can easily spot any changes. If you notice anything unusual, bring it up with your doctor.

The Dangers of Not Getting Your Breasts Checked

Most women probably don't give much thought to their breasts unless there's a problem. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. And while the survival rates for breast cancer are improving, it's still important to catch it early. That's why regular breast exams are so important.

If you're over 40, the American Cancer Society recommends having a mammogram every year. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. But even if you're under 40, you should still be aware of changes in your breasts and see a doctor if you notice anything unusual.

So don't wait until there's a problem to start paying attention to your breasts. Schedule regular doctor visits and mammograms, and take charge of your breast health today!

Different Types of Breast Cancer

There are different types of breast cancer, each with its symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis. The most common types are:

Ductal carcinoma - begins in the milk ducts.
Lobular carcinoma - begins in the milk lobules.
Invasive ductal carcinoma - spreads from the milk ducts into surrounding tissues.

Other less common types include inflammatory breast cancer and Paget's disease of the nipple.

Ductal Carcinoma: Ductal carcinoma accounts for about 80% of all breast cancer cases. It typically begins in the milk ducts and may spread to other breast parts. Symptoms include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the skin over the breast (such as redness or dimpling), or a discharge from the nipple. Breast cancer treatment options include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Lobular Carcinoma: Lobular carcinoma makes up about 10-15% of all breast cancers. It begins in the milk lobules and may spread to other breast parts. Symptoms include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the appearance of skin over the breast (such as redness or dimpling), or a discharge from the nipple. Treatment options include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Conclusion

It's essential to keep up with your breast health. The best way to do that is to get regular check-ups from a doctor. I recommend scheduling a visit at least once every year, but depending on your age and risk factors, you may need to go more often. Keep this schedule in mind, and mark it in your calendar, so you don't forget!