Breast lump

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Breast Lump Removal: Illustrated Series	Breast lumps	Female breast	Fibroadenoma
Fibrocystic breast disease

Breast mass

Breast cancer screening is an important way to find breast cancer early, when it is most easily treated and cured:

• If you are over age 20, consider doing a monthly breast self-exam. See breast self exam. Talk to your provider about the pros and cons.
• If you are over age 20, have a complete breast exam by your provider at least every 3 years -- every year if you are over 40.
• If you are over age 40, get a yearly screening mammogram.

The American Cancer Society distributes a booklet demonstrating how to do self-breast exams.

Having fibrocystic breast tissue, mastitis, or breast tenderness related to PMS does NOT put you at greater risk for breast cancer. Having fibrocystic breasts does, however, make your self-exam more confusing since there are many normal lumps and bumps.

To prevent breast cancer:

• Exercise regularly
• Reduce fat intake
• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and other high fiber foods
• Limit alcoholic beverages to no more than 1 to 1.5 per day.

Marchant DJ. Benign breast disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2002; 29(1): 1-20.

Klein S. Evaluation of palpable breast masses. Am Fam Physician. 2005; 71(9): 1731-1738.

Review Date: 02/27/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.