In 2019, there were 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the U.S, according to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure non-profit. The prevalence of this type of cancer makes it important for women to have regular breast exams.

So how often should you get a breast exam? When it comes to getting a professional breast exam from a doctor, it’s recommended that:

  • Women in their 20-30s get a breast exam every 1-3 years.
  • Women in their 40s get a breast exam every year.

When it comes to breast self exams, we recommend conducting them on a monthly basis, starting when you’re in your 20s. These can be done quickly in the shower, and your healthcare provider can give you instructions on how to properly conduct it.

Why are these monthly breast exams important? Let’s take a look.

Top 2 Reasons to Conduct Monthly Breast Self Exams

Early breast cancer detection and effective treatment

It’s often the case that the sooner you can diagnose breast cancer, the more effective and successful the treatment will be. Early detection is key for this, and monthly breast self exams are a great way to identify lumps in your breast. 

Especially when you’re in your 20s or 30s and getting professional breast exams once every 1-3 years, self-exams are important to filling in the time gaps between the examinations. 

Familiarize yourself with your breasts and potential abnormalities

Monthly breast exams allow you to get to know the shape and feel of your breasts, allowing you to better identify any potential issues or abnormalities, even outside of breast cancer. This gives you an extra opportunity to stay on top of your breast health and reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice something out of the ordinary.

Schedule Your Professional Breast Exam Today

The doctors and surgeons at Carolinas Center for Surgery can help to diagnose and treat breast cancer. Learn about our lumpectomy and mastectomy surgeries, and schedule an appointment with one of our breast cancer surgeons in Morehead City, NC. We look forward to meeting you.