BREAST CANCER: SELF-EXAMINATION & SCREENING

Regular self-examination of the breast after each menstrual period is important, as this frequently leads to very early diagnosis. Only women who are familiar with their own breasts are in a position to spot potentially dangerous changes in the early stages and have them checked by a doctor immediately. Your doctor will examine the breast and palpate it. If there is any suspicion of breast cancer, a Link to mammogram will follow to clarify the situation and if necessary a > ultrasound examination. If the detected change cannot be satisfactorily identified, an additional > fine needle aspiration (removal of individual cells), a punch biopsy (removal of some tissue) or a > magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be performed.

In certain European countries mammograms are used for screening purposes; this means that all women over a certain age report at regular intervals for a mammogram, even if they have no symptoms of breast cancer. This precautionary measure is justified by research findings, which show that screening has a positive effect on the prognosis, or the long-term course of the disease. In Switzerland no such screening programme is in place. However, we recommend that all women over 50 have a mammogram every year.

Medical examination and various diagnostic techniques now enable reliable assessment of any lumps found in the breast. If the mass is found to be a benign lump, the all clear can be given in a short space of time. If, on the other hand, the tumour is malignant, accurate information will be available to determine the best possible plan of action and proceed with any necessary intervention.