Breast Screening
- Breast Examination by a Doctor
If you discover any changes, consult your doctor! His examination of your breasts will involve going through similar steps.
What Happens at the Breast Clinic?
Remember only 10% of patients referred with breast lumps turn out to have breast cancer, so if you are referred, do not panic! The breast specialist will ask you questions to help determine the likely nature of the lump.
• When did you first notice the breast lump?
• Has the lump changed in size?
• Is there any associated pain?
• Is there discharge from the nipple? If yes, what colour is it?
• Did any of your relatives have cancer of the breast or ovary?
• Do you have any children? If yes, how old were you when you had your first child and your last pregnancy?
• At what age did your menstrual periods start?
• How long ago was your last menstrual period?
• Are you taking (or have you ever taken) either the contra–ceptive pill or HRT?
• Have you had a previous breast biopsy?
The specialist will then proceed to examine your breasts and armpits. After that, the specialist will decide on whether there is any abnormality of the breast that requires further investigation. If the specialist finds a lump in the breast, he/she will arrange the tests to investigate.
These tests inlude (click on each link to find out more):
• Fine-needle Biopsy
• Ultrasound Scan
• Mammogram
• Core Biopsy