Breast Cancer Screening and Self-Exams: What Every Woman Should Know

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women—but when it’s detected early, it’s also one of the most treatable. At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we emphasize prevention and education as key parts of women’s health. Understanding breast cancer screening and self-exams can empower you to take control of your well-being and catch changes early when they are most manageable.

Why Screening Matters

Breast cancer screening saves lives. Regular screening can detect cancer before symptoms appear, often years before a lump can be felt. The goal is early detection—finding changes in breast tissue before they spread or become advanced.

At Complete Healthcare, we follow ACOG and national screening guidelines that recommend women of average risk begin annual or biennial mammograms at age 40. Women at higher risk—such as those with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or a history of radiation to the chest—may need to start earlier or have additional imaging like MRI.

Your provider will discuss your personal and family history, lifestyle factors, and breast density to determine the best screening plan for you. Every woman is unique, and your screening schedule should reflect that.

Mammograms: The Gold Standard

A mammogram is a specialized low-dose X-ray that can detect small tumors long before they can be felt. Modern digital mammography is fast, safe, and highly effective. Discomfort is minimal and temporary, and the benefits far outweigh the brief pressure of the exam.

If your mammogram shows something abnormal, don’t panic. Most findings are not cancer—they may represent cysts, benign growths, or dense tissue. Additional imaging or follow-up views are often ordered to clarify the result. The key is not to delay follow-up testing, as timely evaluation provides peace of mind and, when needed, early intervention.

Clinical Breast Exams

In addition to mammograms, your provider may perform a clinical breast exam during your annual visit. This hands-on exam allows the provider to check for lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge. It also provides an opportunity to discuss any concerns or changes you may have noticed since your last visit.

While mammograms are the mainstay of screening, these exams remain valuable—especially for younger women or those who have not yet reached the recommended mammogram age.

The Role of Self-Exams and Breast Awareness

In the past, women were encouraged to perform formal monthly breast self-exams. Research now shows that while these exams help some women notice changes, they are not a substitute for professional screening. Today, many experts and ACOG emphasize breast self-awareness instead of a structured routine.

Breast awareness means knowing what is normal for your body—how your breasts usually look and feel—so you can recognize when something changes. If you notice a lump, thickening, nipple discharge, dimpling, redness, or skin texture changes, contact your provider promptly. Early evaluation makes all the difference.

How to Check Your Breasts at Home

If you prefer to perform self-checks, here’s a simple approach:

1. Look in the mirror. With your arms relaxed, then raised, look for changes in shape, size, or contour. Watch for dimpling, redness, or nipple changes.

2. Use gentle pressure. Using the pads of your three middle fingers, move in circular motions from the outer breast toward the nipple. Cover the entire area, including under the arms and up to the collarbone.

3. Check in two positions. Perform the exam once while standing (or in the shower) and once while lying down. This helps detect subtle differences in tissue.

4. Choose a consistent time. If you have menstrual cycles, check a few days after your period when tenderness is minimal. If not, pick a regular monthly date to stay consistent.

Remember, most breast changes are benign, but every change deserves attention.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your provider promptly if you notice:

• A new lump or thickened area

• Changes in breast size, shape, or contour

• Persistent pain in one area

• Nipple inversion, discharge, or bleeding

• Redness, swelling, or dimpling of the skin

Do not ignore or self-diagnose these findings. Your healthcare provider can evaluate the change with imaging or other tests to determine the cause.

Empowering Women Through Knowledge

At Complete Healthcare, we believe knowledge is empowerment. Understanding your body and staying consistent with screening can reduce anxiety, improve outcomes, and save lives. Our team works closely with patients to ensure screenings are comfortable, timely, and tailored to their needs.

We also emphasize education and comfort—we want every woman to feel supported, respected, and confident in her care decisions. If you’re unsure when your last mammogram was, or if you’ve noticed changes you’d like evaluated, schedule a visit today. Taking charge of your health is one of the most meaningful acts of self-care you can make.

The Takeaway

• Start annual mammograms at age 40, or earlier if you’re high risk.

• Know your normal—be aware of how your breasts look and feel.

• Report any new or persistent changes promptly.

• Stay consistent with your wellness visits and screenings.

Schedule Your Breast Health Appointment Today

Our team at Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA is here to guide you through every step of your women’s health journey—from preventive screenings to personalized care.

Complete Healthcare – Obstetrics and Gynecology

509-392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones, ARNP