There are several ways to detect possible Breast cancer but, to make a final determination, a biopsy must be done.
The three types of biopsy that lead to a diagnosis of breast cancer are fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy and an excisional biopsy.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a small needle to remove a bit of fluid and a very small amount of tissue from the site. Because of the limited amount of tissue, FNA isn't always reliable (a tendency towards false negatives. That is, the cancer might be there, but isn't found).
In a core needle biopsy, a slightly larger bit (about 1/16" in diameter and 1/2 inch in length) of tissue from the area in question is removed with a large bore needle, sometimes with the help of vacuum.
An excisional biopsy is usually used when a core needle biopsy isn't possible. In an excisional biopsy, the entire lesion is surgically removed.
In any case, for all of these, the tissue collected is stained and examined under a microscope to look for cancerous cells. Depending on the type of cancer and the stain being used, the cancerous cells will generally stain differently than the non-cancerous cells.
It depends. If you have a family history you might begin testing in your 20s and 30s by simple mammogram. If not you should start getting regular mammograms every 2 years at age 40. Either way women should become familiar with their breasts and give a self examination for lumps starting in their late teens and report any new or enlarging lumps to their doctors.
A woman should be checked for breast cancer by her physician once every year, even if she feels healthy. It's better to start checking for breast cancer at the age of 20 and from there on every year. Since according to the experts if a female does has breast cancer its better to catch it at its early stages.
physical exam
If the soreness persists, check in with a doctor. Possibly might be an infection.
Mammograms check your breasts for breast cancer.
It can be cancer but just to make sure it isn't check with the doctor
to help check for breast cancer and other health problems regarding the breast
Checking your breasts won't prevent breast cancer, but it may help with early diagnosis and treatment. If you've got breasts, you're not too young or too old to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel. Monthly breast self exams are a good way to do that. If you find a lump, don't jump to conclusions - most breast lumps are noncancerous - but report breast changes and lumps to your doctor so you can find out for sure. Guidelines have changed from time to time. Currently, The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms beginning at age 40; and clinical breast exams every three years in your 20s and 30s, and every year after age 40. Women at high risk for breast cancer may need to begin cancer screening earlier. Consult with your doctor.
You can have a doctor examine your breasts at any age. If you feel there is something about your breasts that is bothering you, don't hesitate to ask your doctor to check them out. They will be able to tell you if your breasts are normal, or if they need further evaluation.If you are asking about what is the age that a woman begins annual mammary exams looking for breast cancer, then it would depend on the particular person's medical history.
A clear discharge usually doesn't mean anything. Your nipples are probably sore due to PMS or your period. Check with your local physician. See your Doctor. Any new symptom with your breast is nothing to ignore.
You could go to your doctor, or/and set up an appointment. The most common cancer for women, is breast cancer. So you should get your doctor to show you how to ''massage'' your breast untill you find a clump. the clump does not have to be cancer, but you should always consider to do a check
To see if you have breast cancer or anything eles; why go to the doctor for annual check up?
Breast cancer is a scary thing for both women and some men. You must screen for breast cancer frequently. You should feel your breast for lumps and check for any nipple discharge or strange symptoms. see a doctor regularly.
To poke, prod and squeeze the breasts to check for lumps. A lump may be cancer, and the sooner it's discovered, the better the chances for survival are.
Some forms of breast cancer are hereditary. So if a lot of women in your family have had breast cancer, you should go to a doctor to go check it out. If you reach 35-40 years, you should get checked up regularly anyway. If you're scared you might get it, go see a doctor. He will be able to tell you more than we can. good luck!