Is that okay?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2003
Is that okay?
1
Sun, 08-24-2003 - 3:29pm
I am only 20 and have been getting yearly exams since 17. My doctor is great, but he always says he doesn't have to do a breast exam on me because I am "awfully young" This is super fine by me. The less contact the better, but I was just making sure that was okay. Thanks.

Brooke
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: brooke_314
Sun, 08-24-2003 - 4:32pm
Well he's right - breast cancer is very rare in women your age. But really, its your call as to whether or not he should do them. He should do them if you have a close relative (like mom, sis, aunt) who has had breast cancer (especially if they had pre-menopausal breast ca), or if you notice anything odd yourself (you can do monthly self-exams in the meantime...maybe not necessary at 20, but a great habit to form and good way to get to know your breasts and recognize changes!), or if you have had any fibrocystic lumps. So think about your history and use your judgement. :-)

Now if you're like me and don't know family history due to adoption (or other reasons), then that is something to discuss with your doc. I knew no family history until finding my birth mother several years ago - and found out that I have a very high incidence of breast cancer in my family history. My docs and I take it very seriously now, and may not have had I not found her. So in some situations, it may pay to be extra vigilant.

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