This is an exam of your breasts to look for any signs of breast cancer.

There were about 209,000 new cases of breast cancer predicted and about 40,000 breast cancer deaths expected in the United States in 2010. Most doctors feel that early detection of breast cancer can be life-saving. Clinical breast exam may aid early detection.

Your healthcare provider will have you undress above the waist. First he/she will look at your breasts for any changes in size, shape, or color. Then he/she will feel your breasts in a systematic way using the pads of his/her fingers. Your underarms will also be examined. If you practice breast self-exam you can review your technique at this time.

No.

• Female
• Age > 40 and especially age > 50
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Gene mutations including BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
• Family history of male breast cancer
• Prior abnormal breast biopsy
• Ethnicity (highest incidence in Caucasians, highest death rate African-American)
• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• Prior chest radiation therapy
• Menarche < 12
• Menopause > 55
• DES intake
• First child after age 30 or no children
• > 1 alcoholic beverage per day
• Obesity especially after menopause
• Hormone therapy (some controversy); strongest association in people on recent or current combined estrogen/progesterone therapy
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High fat diet (maybe)
• Many others remain controversial: anti-perspirants, pollution, night-shift work, underwire bras, induced abortion, breast implants, smoking, secondhand smoke