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Lumps in the breasts

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Prevention:

To avoid fibrocystic changes in your breast tissue, avoid excessive fat and caffeine in your diet.

Most cases of breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, early detection and prompt treatment is important. All women over the age of 40 should perform breast self-exam monthly, preferably at the end of their menstrual period when the breasts are less tender. Women who are breastfeeding should examine their breasts after completing a feeding. Also get routine breast exams from your doctor and routine mammograms .

References:

Saslow D, Hannan J, Osuch J, et al. Clinical breast examination: practical recommendations for optimizing performance and reporting. CA Cancer J Clin . 2004; 54:327-344.

• Review Date: 7/17/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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