Now I'm really scared about my mom's annual exam she gets. It doesn't run in our family. Should I be worried??
2006-09-22 17:41:23 · 9 answers · asked by ? 6 in Health ➔ Women's Health
No, you shouldn't be worried.
2006-09-23 01:00:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Although breast cancer is a very scary and obviously, traumatic experience, there are a few basic things that women can consider about their risk and what test they may want to get. Currently, it is NOT recommended that women under 35 years of age, without any risk factors for breast cancer, be checked with a mammogram or ultrasound. The reason being is that the risk is very low and therefore the yield of these tests is very low. It is encouraged that woman give themselves annual breasts exams and have breast exams done by their doctor annually. It is also recommended that women should have a baseline mammogram done once between the ages of 35-40. Then a mammogram every 1-2 years between the ages of 40-50 and then a yearly mammogram after the age of 50. Some of this info is somewhat controversial, but the basic gist is that if you are a young woman with no real risk factors (i.e. no 1st degree family member with breast cancer or past history of breast cancer, etc.), there is really no reason to run out and get a mammogram tomorrow. Lastly, if you do have a significant family history of breast cancer, you should talk to your doctor about possibly getting some of these test done earlier.
2006-09-23 00:58:34 · answer #2 · answered by Gregory T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie all you can do is pray and hope for the best and hope she doesn't have cancer. Always make sure even if it doesn't run in your family to get annual breast exams. It is scary sometimes with cancer being a possibility but all you can do is take care of yourself and don't hesitate when you get the exam to ask questions. That's what the doctors are there for and they should be able to ease your fears.Here is some info on self breast exams. Good Luck to you and your mother and above all just be cool and don't worry. The doctors know what they are doing. They went to school for this and taking good care of there patients is there job.
2006-09-23 00:53:32 · answer #3 · answered by meanlilbitch23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be scared but do be concerned. Breast cancer is a reality for women and knowing how to best protect yourself is most important. Learn to examine your own breasts and do it every single month from puberty on for the rest of your life. Women find about half of all breast cancers themselves.
When you reach the recommended age, you also should have mammograms as frequently as required for your age. You should also learn warning signs that do not involve a lump like nipple retraction, unusual discharge, and skin changes.
You should be more worried if your Mom was not having her annual exam. About one in every ten women will develop breast cancer in a lifetime, and not having a family history does NOT make you safe.
Find more information at the American Cancer Society website:
http://www.cancer.org
2006-09-23 00:50:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be scared. Your mom is wise in making sure she does her annual exams every year, the best way to prevent all that is to do your self exams also, if you do not know how ask your Dr, they will show you how.
Alot of times breast cancer runs in your family, if your family does not have a history of it, the odds go down on it
2006-09-23 00:45:10 · answer #5 · answered by Christina M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't be so stressed about it. It is a major problem, but with better diagnostics, annual screenings, and monthly self-exams, the chances that a tumor is found early are very high. If you have no history of it, I would try to relax. Get to know your body and be familiar with how your own breasts feel; that way if YOU notice something amiss, you can be proactive and get it looked at right away.
For more information, go to: http://www.breastcancer.org for tons of great information. Take a deep breath and don't be afraid...be strong, be positive, be yourself!
2006-09-23 00:58:17 · answer #6 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every woman should be scared.
1 in 4 women will get it.
It is more likely if there are people in your family that have had it though.
Your mom is doing the right thing by getting her annual exam. If she is 35 or over she should also get a mamogram as well. Catching it early is the key to survival!
2006-09-23 00:45:29 · answer #7 · answered by jmlmmlmll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to be scared. The last comment was not correct. About 1 in 7 women get breast cancer. You and your mom are not likely to get breast cancer. But if you do, it can usually be treated.
The reason there's so much information about it on TV and in magazines is because it's so easy to check for, so if you are very unlucky and do get breast cancer you can begin treatment for it early.
2006-09-23 00:46:04 · answer #8 · answered by stevejensen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well get yourself checked out or do a self exam once a month it doesn't have 2 run in your family 2 get it.Good Luck
2006-09-23 00:43:42 · answer #9 · answered by sugarbdp1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋