Expert Recommendations on How Often You Should Get your Breast Checked

Breast health is a crucial concern for women of all ages, but when it comes to understanding the right frequency for breast exams, many people are unsure. Should you get checked every year? What about self-exams at home? And what’s the role of mammograms in all this?

At Always For You Medical Center, we understand how personal and sometimes anxiety-inducing concerns about breast health can be. The good news is, with the right guidance and regular screening, you can take control of your health while being proactive about early detection. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of breast exams, the expert-recommended schedules, and how breast health impacts overall well-being.

What Exactly Is a Breast Exam?

A breast exam is a procedure that can be done by a healthcare provider (a clinical breast exam) or by yourself (a self-breast exam). It’s a key part of breast cancer screening and helps identify any changes or abnormalities in the breasts.

• Self-breast exam: This is where you examine your own breasts for any changes, lumps, or unusual signs. It’s typically done once a month, and while it can’t detect all forms of breast cancer, it can alert you to changes that might need medical attention.

• Clinical breast exam (CBE): Performed by a healthcare provider, a CBE includes a professional check for lumps, skin changes, or other abnormalities. It’s a routine part of physical exams and can complement mammograms.

• Mammogram: A specialized X-ray of the breast, recommended for women above a certain age or with specific risk factors. It’s one of the most reliable ways to detect breast cancer early.

How Often Should You Get a Breast Exam?

The frequency of breast exams depends on a combination of factors including age, family history, and personal risk factors. Here's what experts generally recommend:

1. Self-Breast Exam: Monthly

The self-breast exam is an easy, at-home practice that women of all ages should incorporate into their monthly routine. It involves checking for any changes in the breast tissue such as lumps, changes in skin texture, or unusual discharge. While not all doctors universally recommend regular self-breast exams due to mixed evidence on their effectiveness in reducing breast cancer mortality, it’s still an excellent way to become familiar with how your breasts naturally feel. That way, if any changes occur, you’ll be more likely to notice them.

The American Cancer Society suggests that women aged 20 and older should be familiar with their breasts and perform self-exams every month. It’s best to do this a few days after your menstrual period when your breasts are least likely to be tender.

2. Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): Every 1-3 Years (Ages 20-39), Yearly (Ages 40+)

For women aged 20 to 39, a clinical breast exam is typically done every 1-3 years during your regular check-up. This exam is a vital part of the process since your doctor can identify changes you may not feel on your own and can recommend further steps if necessary.

For women aged 40 and older, a CBE should be performed annually. This exam helps your healthcare provider look for abnormalities, and if needed, they may order imaging tests like a mammogram for further investigation.

3. Mammograms: Starting at Age 40 (Annually or Biannually)

Mammograms are one of the most powerful tools available for breast cancer detection, often spotting cancers that are too small to be felt during a self-exam or CBE.

• The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that women with average risk of breast cancer start annual mammograms at age 40.

• For women who are over 50, many guidelines suggest that mammograms be done every two years until the age of 75.

• Women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history or inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, may need to begin mammograms earlier and may need them more frequently.

At Always For You Medical Center, we recommend discussing your family history with your doctor to determine the best personalized schedule for mammography and other breast health screenings.

4. Breast Exams After Age 70: Tailored to Individual Health

Once you reach the age of 70, the frequency of breast exams should be determined by overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences. If a woman is in good health and has a history of normal mammograms, she may opt to stop regular screening. However, women with ongoing health concerns or a higher risk of breast cancer might continue exams.

The Role of Risk Factors in Breast Health

Breast cancer risk varies from person to person, and several factors influence how often you should get screened:

• Family history: If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, your own risk may be higher. Women with a family history of breast cancer are often advised to begin screening earlier and more frequently than those without such a history.

• Genetic factors: Mutations in genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 increase the risk of breast cancer significantly. If you are known to carry one of these genetic mutations, your doctor may recommend starting screenings even earlier or exploring more advanced imaging options, like MRI.

• Previous breast health issues: If you've had abnormal mammograms, biopsies, or a history of benign breast conditions, more frequent check-ups might be necessary.

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Women on long-term hormone therapy have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. This should be discussed with your healthcare provider to assess how often you should get screened.

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Breast cancer is often treatable when caught early, which is why regular exams are so important. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment, reducing the need for more aggressive interventions. Many cancers detected at stage 0 or stage 1 are highly treatable and may only require minor surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy.

While there are no guarantees, detecting changes in your breast tissue early gives you a better chance of managing any potential issues. Many of our patients have successfully managed breast health concerns with early screenings, personalized treatment plans, and a caring approach to their health needs.

Taking the Next Step: Personalized Breast Health Care at Always For You Medical Center

At Always For You Medical Center, we understand that breast health is about more than just exams and screenings. It’s about taking a holistic approach to your well-being. Whether you are scheduling a routine mammogram, seeking advice about how to perform self-exams properly, or have concerns about your breast health due to family history or other risk factors, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you haven’t yet had your breast exam for this year, or if you have concerns you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with our expert team. We offer a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that combines technology with compassionate care to ensure that you receive the best possible screening and advice.

Final Thoughts

Breast health is a journey that varies for every woman, but regular exams are the key to early detection. Whether through self-exams, clinical exams, or mammograms, finding a rhythm that works for you and your healthcare team is essential. Remember, early detection truly does make all the difference — and having the right support, like what’s offered at Always For You Medical Center, ensures you're not walking this path alone.

If you’re due for a check-up or would like to discuss your breast health, reach out to our team. We are here to ensure that every step of your healthcare journey is seamless, supportive, and focused on what’s best for you.