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) 

Electronic Health Records - Insurers will be required to provide electronic health records, which will reduce paperwork and costs and make it easier for health care providers, from physicians to pharmacists, to access a patient's information.  (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

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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) 

FDA Approves Genetic Test for Cervical Cancer - Over the years, pap smears have been the first step in detecting cervical cancer, but that is about to change. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved that a genetic test be the first option for doctors to detect cervical cancer in women, the Associated Press reported. Critics believe this move may cost more and lead to overtreatment. (Photo: Times-Picayune /Landov)

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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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What Should I Do If I Find a Lump? - If you find a lump or another change in your breast, talk to a health care provider as soon as possible. Just because you may have a lump that does not mean you have cancer. Once your health care provider examines your breasts, he or she can determine if you need further testing, such as a mammogram or biopsy.(Photo: Mutlu Kurtbas/GettyImages)

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Test Your Breast Cancer Knowledge - Now that you have read more on breast cancer, test your knowledge with our BET.com Breast Cancer Quiz here.(Photo: GettyImages)

Photo By Getty Images

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Breast Party Ever - BET Networks and Planned Parenthood are teaming up for the Breast Party Ever in Atlanta on Saturday, Oct. 5 to recognize the importance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The star-studded event will be hosted by actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, with appearances from actress Tasha Smith, DJ D-Nice, Doug E. Fresh and more. Tickets for the event are free and can be ordered here.