[libbytarian]

I have been doing self exams since 1980 when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I did my monthly self exam in Dec. 2004 and found an area that seemed to be thicker than the surrounding area. I had a mammogram in Feb 2005 and it was clear. I called my OBGYN and told her that I wanted more tests. She was reluctant but agreed since I had a rather strong family history of breast cancer. I lost my mother, an aunt and two first cousins to breast cancer.

I had a breast biopsy in March 2005 which indicated that I had invasive lobular cancer. The cancer was the size of an egg. My radiologist told me that lobular breast cancer is 15% of the breast cancers and does not show up on a mammogram. He also said that looking for cancer with a mammogram on women with dense and or large breasts is like looking for a snowman in a blizzard.

I cannot imagine why anyone would say breast self exams are not necessary. I am not sure that I would still be here if I had not made a habit of examining my breasts. Libby

[DRey]

"He also said that looking for cancer with a mammogram on women with dense and or large breasts is like looking for a snowman in a blizzard."

You should never have anything but breast MRI. Your insurance should pay for it and if not, it's about $1,000 out of pocket. Have one done every year. I had one done yesterday. Aurora MRI. Took 30 minutes and the pictures were amazing. It can tell the difference in a cyst or tumor, and can see through implants, too. Self-exam good. MRI the answer.