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There are different screening tools used to check for breast cancer. From age 30 to 40, routinebreast cancer screeninginvolving mammograms or breast MRIsis recommended based on your individual risk. The benefits of breast cancer screening outweigh the risks. For women athigh risk, a mammogram with a breast MRI is recommended. The benefits of breast self-exams and clinical breast exams remain under debate. BSEs are performed monthly. Postmenopausal are advised to perform BSEs on the same calendar date each month....

This article is part ofBreast Cancer in Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series. Black women have the lowest breast cancer survival rate, regardless of the stage at diagnosis. Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Younger Black women are especially at risk. The incidence of breast cancer in females younger than age 50 has been rising. Other types of breast cancer include:...

If someone isdiagnosed with breast cancer, radiation therapy is likely to be part of their treatment plan. Radiation therapy consists of high beams of energy directed at cancer cells to kill them. Side effects of radiation can include skin changes and feeling tired. Mark Kostich / Getty Images Mark Kostich / Getty Images What Is Radiation Therapy? Radiation therapy is a commonly used therapy for many types of cancer. For breast cancer,radiationis typically used after surgery to help reduce the risk of cancer returning....

This article is part ofBreast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series. Breast canceris the second most common cancer affecting American women. Social disparitiesmake it harder for Black women to get early diagnoses and appropriate treatment for breast cancer. FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images This mistrust comes from many factors, including frequent misdiagnoses and reduced treatment access. Some reports suggest this occurs because Black patients will see different types of physicians....

Pimples on your breast, however, typically do not indicate cancer. Breast cancermay cause skin changes, but several other possible causes exist. Breast acne generally improves over time, and breast cancer symptoms worsen. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health Breast Pimple vs. Breast Cancer Skin Changes Breast cancer is a throw in of cancer that starts in the breast tissue. Commonsymptoms of breast cancerinclude:...

Symptoms of lymphedema typically affect the arm on the same side as the cancer. This article explains lymphedema symptoms and their cause. Often, however, it’s a chronic condition. Robert Daemmrich Photography Inc/ Getty Images It may wax and wane over the course of your life, even after your breast cancer is cured. In rare cases, lymphedema may occur decades after breast cancer surgery. Pressure from a tumor or damage from surgery or radiation can affect the lymphatic system and lead to lymphedema....

Breast changes over the course of a woman’s life are common. And most breast lumps turn out to be benign.Benign growths feel soft or squishy and may move freely. A malignant tumor may feel firm and may not move around. Verywell / Jessica Olah Breast lumps are only due tobreast cancersometimes. This article will help explain the differences between noncancerous and cancerous tumors. It can help them to determine whether a lump is a breast cancer tumor or a benign mass....

While generally safe, breast MRI involvecontrast dyesthat may cause allergies and other side effects in some people. What Are Breast MRIs Used For? Breastmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is an imaging technique used for the diagnosis and screening of breast cancer. Verywell / Emily Roberts In these women, an MRI can miss abnormalities readily detected with a mammogram. Furthermore, an MRI may not be able to differentiate betweenbenign(non-cancerous) andmalignant(cancerous) growths. This makes MRIs prone to false-positive results....

Breast oil cysts arebenign(noncancerous) breast lumps. They often feel similar to the lumps common to breast cancer. They may be diagnosed on ultrasound or other breast imaging. Ian Hootan / Getty Images Oil cysts in the breast commonly occur due to injury to the chest or medical procedures. They often feel soft and squishy. They typically don’t require treatment. Breast oil cysts do not become cancerous, and they do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer....

Breast painis common in menopause andperimenopause. Breast pain can also continue after menopause (when periods have stopped for at least 12 straight months). This article explains common types of breast pain, what causes the pain, and how to manage it. Verywell / Sydney Saporito Verywell / Sydney Saporito What Is Breast Pain? Breast pain varies among individuals and even within the same person. It can be constant or come and go....

Both are imaging tests that can be used to look forbreast cancer. This article reviews the differences between breast ultrasounds and mammograms. Purpose of Breast Ultrasounds vs. Mammograms Amammogram is anX-ray of the breasts. Verywell / JR Bee Mammograms are the most effective breast cancer screening test. Abreast ultrasound or sonogramis generally used for diagnostic reasons. For example, an ultrasound is most helpful when evaluatingdense breastsora suspicious lump found on a mammogram....

Fortunately, treatments are available. Medicated creams can be used in some situations. People with breast eczema often experience more discomfort with breastfeeding than others. Westend61 / Getty Images Also, there are concerns that ingesting it could cause a blood disorder calledmethemoglobinemiain babies and young children. Topical corticosteroids are a common treatment for eczema. However, they should be used sparingly on the breasts and nipples when breastfeeding. This is because your baby could ingest the medication during feedings....

In fact, certain breathing exercisesparticularly those that help strengthen the diaphragmmay offer benefits beyond bringing in-the-moment relief. This translates into lower oxygen levels, and less reserve for exercise and activity. Just be sure to check with your healthcare provider before you try them. AlexanderFord / Getty Images The following breathing exercises will become second nature if you practice them daily. That way you’ll be able to use them calmly and effectively when you find yourself gasping for breath....