Breast Cancer is the most common cancer that women may face in their lifetime (except for skin cancer).  It can occur at any age, but more likely after the age of 40, according to the American Cancer Society.  

The American Cancer Society offers a three-part action plan with mammograms, breast exams and awareness for early detection.

Mammogram
Having a routine mammogram is the most important part of your action plan against breast cancer.  A mammogram, a simple X-ray which is quick, easy and safe, can detect lumps that a doctor or self-exam may miss. Women should have annual mammograms starting at the age of 40. Sign up for an e-mail mammogram reminder.

Breast Exam
Women in their 20s and 30s should include a breast exam as part of their routine check-ups.  A doctor or nurse will need to conduct them, and should be done at least every three years. According to the American Cancer Society, a thorough breast exam by a doctor or nurse includes:

  • Taking a personal health history that includes asking about any breast changes or problems, taking a family history, and asking about family members who’ve had breast cancer
  • Looking at your breasts while you are standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressed down on your hips
  • Examining the entire breast area, including up to the neck, into the armpit, over to the center of the chest, and to the bottom of the rib cage
  • Examining the breast using a vertical strip pattern to make sure that no breast tissue is missed
  • Using different amounts of pressure to examine the breast (light, medium and deep)
  • Discussing your breast health plan with you and showing you the proper way to examine yourself

Breast Awareness
You should become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, so if any changes occur, you can report them to your doctor right away.  You should conduct regular self-exams to check for lumps, thickness or any other changes.  You may ask your doctor for directions on a self-exam.

Encourage your friends and family to get regular mammograms and perform routine self-exams. 

What Should You Do if You Are 40 or Older?
According to the American Cancer Society, you should:

  • Have a mammogram every year for as long as you are in good health
  • Have a breast exam by your doctor or nurse every year
  • Report any breast changes to your doctor right away


What Should You Do if You Are Between the Ages of 20 and 39?
According to the American Cancer Society, you should:

1. Have a breast exam by your doctor or nurse as part of your periodic health exam, preferably at least every three years.

2. Report any breast change to your doctor right away.

For more information about breast cancer and early detection, visit the American Cancer Society’s Website or call 800-227-2345.

If You Have a Disability
Mayo Clinic - The Mayo Clinic offers three locations nationwide (Arizona, Florida and Minnesota), adaptable medical equipment, staff with experience working with many types of disabilities and a clinic devoted to breast health.  

Routine mammograms are offered at Mayo Clinic, and if you are a wheelchair user, you may stay seated in your chair during the mammogram as long as the arms of your chair fold down.  Otherwise you will be transferred to a hospital wheelchair that works well with the machine. 

Mayo Clinic also provides a valet car service, door attendants, an escort service to any of its clinics and subway transfers to other Mayo buildings on the medical campus.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America - Located in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, Cancer Treatment Centers of America provides adaptable medical equipment, wheelchair and car valet service at each entrance for every patient, and medical treatment for many cancer conditions. The staff at each clinic has experience accommodating patients with disabilities, and tailors equipment and medical care for each patient's needs and disability.  

Although CTCA does not offer routine mammograms, they do provide medical care if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information about CTCA, call 800-268-0786 or visit their Website, Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  CTCA also allows patients (specifically those with hearing impairments) to chat with medical specialists via their Website through instant messaging.

Other Resources and Clinics
Breast Health Access for Women with Disabilities - A medical resource Website for women in California.

Breast Diagnostic Clinic - A clinic specializing in breast health which has two locations in southern Wisconsin (Milwaukee and Waukesha).

U Compare Health Care - Allows you to search for mammography centers in your area, as well as search for doctors, nursing homes, hospitals and fertility centers.

Walk for a Cure
American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk 

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

See Related Articles
For more information on getting a mammogram for women with disabilities, see Accessible Mammogram Screening for Women with Disabilities.

Why do so many women with disabilities have undetected cancers?  Find out in Women with Disabilities at Greater Risk for Undetected Cervical and Breast Cancer.