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 When
should breast self-examination be performed?
I do not have insurance, where can I get a free or low-cost mammogram?
What does Fibrocystic change mean?
Will breast implants interfere with mammograms?
Can I have my breast implants removed?
When should breast self-examination be performed?
Breast self-examination (BSE) should be performed at the same time each month. A good time to examine yourself is just as your menstrual period is ending when the breasts are least sensitive. (Learn the normal look and feel of your breasts, and if that changes call a medical professional. Familiarity will increase confidence in your
ability to detect any changes.)
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I do not have insurance, where can I get a free or low-cost mammogram?
Contact your Komen Affiliate for Komen-supported screening
programs. 817-735-8580
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What does Fibrocystic change mean?
Fibrocystic change is a "catch-all" term for many recurring non-cancerous breast problems including (but not limited to) swelling, pain, tenderness, lumpy breasts, and nipple discharge. These symptoms of fibrocystic changes are believed to reflect the normal changes within the glandular tissue and milk ducts of the breast in response
to a woman's hormonal cycles.
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Will breast implants interfere with mammograms?
Breast implants can pose some difficulty in breast imaging. Both saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants are opaque to x-rays, meaning that any breast tissue behind the implant may not be seen on a mammogram. Women who have breast implants should make sure that they inform the technician so that special "displacement" views can
be taken in addition to the "standard" compression views to better visualize the breast tissue. Using the displacement views, satisfactory breast images can be obtained for most women and their breasts can be effectively monitored for possible breast problems.
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Can I have my breast implants removed?
Yes, when an implant is not performing the function for which it was intended, or if the woman feels that she would be better off without the implant, it can be removed during a relatively minor outpatient surgery. However, physicians recommend that breast implants NOT be removed unless they cause significant problems for the woman.
For more information on any of the topics above, please visit www.breastcancerinfo.com.
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