Regular screening is the first step in diagnosing breast cancer early. All women should know how their breasts normally look and feel, how their breasts change throughout their monthly cycle, and how to perform a breast self-exam to check for lumps.
A breast exam should be part of a complete annual physical exam performed by your doctor. If you're over 50 years old, you should also have a mammogram every year. Catching breast cancer early, before it has had a chance to enlarge or spread, is important in successfully treating the condition.
If you find a lump or experience other breast cancer symptoms, don't panic. Talk to your doctor about breast cancer testing. Your doctor may recommend any combination of ultrasound, chest X-ray, scans, and biopsies. It may take some time and several visits to the doctor or hospital to get a confirmed breast cancer diagnosis. Waiting for test results can be nerve-wracking, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.
The diagnostic tests also help to stage your cancer. Staging is the process of determining how advanced the cancer is. The earlier the stage of your cancer, the better your chances of recovery will be.
If a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed, caring for yourself may take on new significance. Learn how to cope with the diagnosis by keeping your morale up, having a positive self-image, and dealing with the effects of fatigue. Learn who is on your health care team, what their roles are, and be prepared to ask them as many questions as you need to.