Which Tests Are Right For You?

Which Tests Are Right For You?
Age	Breast Exam By Doctor	Mammogram	Breast Self-Exam
Under 40	Talk to your doctor about whether breast exams are necessary. Some experts recommend yearly breast exams for all women, while others feel that regular breast exams can and should wait until age 40.	Most experts recommend against regular mammograms for young women, unless they are at high risk of breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend a mammogram if he or she is concerned about a lump or other breast problem.	For many years, doctors have recommended that all women examine their own breasts each month to help detect the earliest signs of cancer. However, when large groups of women who do or don't do regular breast self-exams (BSEs) are compared, the two groups have an almost equal risk of dying from breast cancer. Adding BSE to doctor exams and mammograms doesn't help breast cancer to be found much more quickly. In 2003, the American Cancer Society changed its guidelines to say that "it is acceptable for women to choose not to do BSE or to do it occasionally." Talk with your doctor about whether breast self-exams make sense for you.
40-75	Every year	Every 1-2 years
Over 75	We have little information about the importance of regular breast exams and mammograms in older women. Some experts believe that breast-cancer screening should continue regardless of a woman's age, while others feel it is reasonable to stop at a certain point. For example, women who have a limited life expectancy due to their age or health problems may not see any benefit from screening. If you are over 75, talk with your doctor about when it may make sense to stop screening for breast cancer.

Aetna Member: If you would like more information about breast cancer and breast cancer prevention, please call (888) 322-8742.

Miembros de Aetna: Si desean mayor información sobre el cáncer de seno y sobre su prevención por favor llame al (888) 322-8742.