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Early Detection Plan

You can take control of your healthcare by developing an early detection plan and encouraging others to do the same. Remember—early detection saves lives!

EARLY DETECTION PLAN

An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:

  • Beginning at age 20: Performing breast self-exams and looking for any signs of change.
  • Age 20 to 39: Scheduling clinical breast exams every three years.
  • By the age of 40: Having a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.
  • Ages 40 to 49: Having a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings.
  • Ages 50 and older: Having a mammogram every year. 
  • All Ages:
    • — Recording personal exams, mammograms and doctors'
    appointments on a calendar or in a detailed file.
    — Maintaining a healthy weight, following a low-fat diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

Material on this page courtesy of Tennessee Breast Center, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 by Arts Uniq®, Cookville, TN. Used with permission.

Copyright © 2008. National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. All rights reserved.