FAQ on Breast Cancer Exams
Regular clinic breast exams are important.
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What Is a Breast Exam? - October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about breast exams with tips from Planned Parenthood and BET.com. — Dominique Zonyéé and Planned Parenthood(Photo: Catherine Lane/GettyImages)
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Why Are Breast Exams Important? - Breast exams, can improve the chance of detecting breast cancer early. The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better for your health. Health care providers are experienced in being able to tell if a woman's breasts are healthy or if they have lumps or other problems that need further testing.(Photo: GettyImages)
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When Should Breast Exams Be Done? - Clinical breast exams are recommended every one to three years for most women in their 20s and 30s. After women turn 40, exams are recommended every year. Staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center, many other clinics, health departments and private health care providers can give you a clinical breast exam.(Photo: GettyImages)
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What Happens During a Breast Exam? - Once you are undressed from the waist up, your health care provider will examine your breasts for any possible signs of breast cancer or other breast problems. They will look at both breasts, paying close attention to your nipples, breast shape, size and skin texture. Then your health care provider will feel your breasts for any abnormal texture or lumps.(Photo: Times-Picayune /Landov)
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Should I Do Monthly Breast Self-Exams? - Health care providers used to recommend self-exams, but new research found that they may not be that helpful. The key is to be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. Simply looking at, touching and feeling your breasts from time to time is enough to help you notice any changes.(Photo: Keith Brofsky/GettyImages)
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