Testing for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is among the most common forms of cancer in women. This should be a point of concern. Most women don't realize that at some stage in their lives they're at a high risk of being affected by this disease. This risk which is magnified by age is associated with other several factors that tend to heighten a person's chance of developing breast cancer.

The most common risk factors are those which we are powerless to control. Being female is a risk factor, which is even intensified as one grows older. Other risk factors beyond our control include genetic disposition, breast cancer family history, race, and chest x-ray previous exposure.

Personal lifestyle practices make up those risk factors which we cannot control. These can be distressing as we tend to feel guilty and regretful over past lifestyle choices upon breast cancer diagnosis. Among these lifestyle associated risk factors are use of hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives, smoking alcohol and drug abuse, obesity, unhealthy diet and insufficient exercise.

The good news though is that several breast cancer tests are available to help in detecting this disease when self examination is not enough. The different available tests are discussed briefly below to help you and your loved ones get familiar with them.

Breast Cancer Tests

There are several diagnostic tests to consider when you or somebody you know may be manifesting any of the various signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Your Family Physician

It is always best to have a medical advice from your doctor especially if you have concerns. He can perform a routine examination, and will refer you to the right specialists should he find any cause for concern.

Breast Clinic Checkup

During a breast clinic checkup, health professionals normally get a thorough personal and family history assessment. Then a physical checkup is performed. Aside from the routine test, they will also examine the various lymph nodes on the base of your neck as well as those found in you're underarm areas. Swollen lymph nodes may trigger an alert for a possible underlying health problem

Mammography

Basically a mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts. Although not quite effective in younger women whose breasts have greater density, this test can yield accurate results in women 35 years old and above.

Breast Ultrasonography

An ultrasound employs sound waves to photograph the breasts. This tes is considered to be the best option for women under 35 years of age.

Biopsy

This procedure involves taking a tissue sample from your breasts to determine if they harbor cancerous cells.

Needle Aspiration

This is done by aspirating cells from your breast and performing lab analysis of the cell samples for the presence of cancerous cells.

There are indeed several breast cancer tests that facilitate in early detection of breast cancer. You need to be aware of the best options most applicable to your case. As a precautionary measure, consult your doctor today for an appropriate breast cancer test.