by Mandie » Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:01 pm
Good on you girls!
Kate - assuming you don't have a family history of breast cancer (i.e. mother or aunt who had it young) then there is no indication to have a screening mammogram before age 50.
All women aged 50 and above in Australia can get free mammograms every two years.
As for breast self examinations, the best advice is to simply "know your breasts". Just notice when you are washing in the shower or whatever if you feel any lumps. It is quite common to have some cysts or lumpiness around your period. If you notice this, observe it and see if it goes away during the month.
If you notice any new lumps that don't go away, have pain from the breast, notice discharge/bleeding from the nipple, or are AT ALL concerned, see your GP and ask for a breast exam.
You should also ask your GP to do one every two years when you get your pap smear, just to make sure you haven't missed anything!
Breast cancer is actually quite uncommon in young women without a family history of the disease, so don't worry! The risk goes up much higher after menopause, which is why screening is offered to women over 50.
Hope this information helps, if you want to know anything else, just ask!