5 Reasons Young Women Should Perform a Breast Self Exam

Many young women feel that because of their age that breast cancer does not affect them. This is a common myth, and also one that is very untrue. Breast cancer can strike at any age. No woman is safe.

Doing a breast self exam every month can aid in early detection of breast cancer, but many young women feel there is no need. Again, this is because of their age. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has provided excellent reasons why young women need to perform monthly breast self exams:

1. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of all ages, except for certain kinds of skin cancers. The most proven and significant risk factors are being female and getting older.

2. Young women's cancers are generally more aggressive and result in lower survival rates - making early detection even more important.

3. Mammography is not recommended for most women until age 40. This sometimes results in younger women being diagnosed later, and possibly lowering their chance of survival.

4.Younger women tend to have thicker breast tissue than older women, making diagnosis difficult. This makes it vitally important for younger women to become familiar with how their breasts look and feel through monthly BSE (breast Self Exam), beginning by age 20.

5. With one in seven American women at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, it is never too early to establish good breast health practices.



If you notice a change in your breast through a BSE or some other means, contact your health care provider for further evaluation immediately.



Source: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation www.komen.org