Annual Breast Exam

A breast exam is typically part of your annual gynecological exam and is also an important part of any routine physical checkup.  Annual breast exams are crucial for early detection of breast disease.  Before the exam, a health care provider will ask detailed questions about the health history of the patient, including pregnancy history, menstrual information, etc.

During the physical breast exam, a health care professional will do a visual examination of the patient’s breasts, looking for changes or abnormalities in symmetry, size, and shape.  In addition, the breasts will be thoroughly studied for any skin changes such as redness, rashes, or dimpling.  Part of the breast exam may take place standing and the other part typically occurs laying down on the back.  While the patient lays on her back with her arms above her head, the health care provider uses the pads of his/her fingertips to examine the breasts for lumps, changes, or any abnormalities.  The under arm region is also commonly examined.  The physician will then gently press around the nipple area to check for any possible discharge.  Should discharge occur, a sample may be collected by the health care provider for further analysis.

Patients should optimally have a clinical breast exam annually, starting at the age of 20.  If the patient has a strong family history of breast cancer, a breast examination may be recommended more frequently.

Please contact our office to schedule your annual breast exam.