Early detection begins with monthly breast self-exams starting at age 20. The best time to examine your breasts is the week after your period, when the breasts are not swollen or tender. If you no longer have periods, do your exam on the same day every month.

Establish a regular routine to become familiar with your normal breast tissue. This will alert you to any changes in appearance or texture of your breast. Most breast lumps are found by women themselves. However, most lumps are not cancer.

The second component is a clinical breast exam by a health care professional. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years. After age 40, a professional examination should be performed every year. Always contact your physician if you should have a concern during your regular monthly self-breast exam.

The third step for early detection is an annual screening mammogram. This should be done starting at age 40, and repeated every year thereafter. Studies have proven that mammography is the best tool for discovering breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. Women who get annual screenings reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by 63 percent.

¢ Screening mammograms are available to all women. Click here for information about programs that provide free or reduced-cost mammograms and other cancer screenings for uninsured and/or low-income women.

St. John’s Breast Center, located in the Cancer Center on St. John's Hospital's main campus, provides a wide spectrum of breast care such as screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, needle localizations, stereotactic procedures, breast self-examination instruction, multi-specialty treatment planning and consultation, state-of-the-art cancer treatment, pre-surgery classes for patients and families, patient and family counseling, follow-up care, mastectomy products, risk assessments, preventive programs for patients with a high risk of breast cancer, cancer prevention trials, biopsies, community and patient education, support groups and pre-admission services.

The Breast Center promotes a multidisciplinary approach to breast care. The team at St. John's includes surgeons, oncologists, breast imaging radiologists, pathologists, nurses, technologists and support service coordinators.

¢ For more information about St. John’s Breast Center or to schedule an appointment, please call 417-820-2500 or 800-364-6120.