The best time to diagnose breast cancer is before symptoms, such as lumps, have developed.

Thanks to advancements in screening techniques, it’s easier to catch it early that it used to be. If cancer is diagnosed before a lump can be felt, it is less likely to have spread beyond the breast and more likely to be successfully treated.

In recent years, there have been varying recommendations for when women should begin having mammograms.

This can be confusing. However, if your Gwinnett physician knows your full medical history and that of your family, he or she can provide a recommendation based on your individual situation.

Breast Self-Exam

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin administering breast self-exams (BSE) when they are in their 20s. Part of this involves knowing how your breasts normally look and feel so that you can detect any changes.

Of course, not all changes, even lumps, necessarily mean cancer. However, they should be checked out by a physician. Note that these should not take the place of mammograms once your doctor recommends that you begin having them.

Clinical Breast Exam

These are exams done by your physician or another medical professional when you go in for your annual check-up or if you are concerned by anything found in a BSE. Like BSEs, they are done to check for any abnormalities in shape or size.

Mammograms

There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. Screening mammograms, which are simply x-rays of the breasts, are done on women who have no symptoms.

Diagnostic mammograms are performed on women who have some type of symptom like a lump or an abnormal result in a screening mammogram. They can discern abnormalities in the breast, but cannot determine whether or not they are cancerous. A biopsy, where tissue is removed and examined, is required for that.

If you are asymptomatic, our Lawrenceville doctors will recommend when you should begin having screening mammograms based on your own medical history and that of your family.

The doctors at Rodriguez MD take women’s health issues very seriously. We recommend the best screening techniques for each of our patients based on their age, medical history and other factors unique to each woman. To schedule a check-up at our Lawrenceville health clinic, call us or complete our online form today.