The most effective treatment of diseases and breast cancer begins with the proper and early diagnosis. This moment is crucial as it leads to increased cure rates and offers patients the possibility of treatment with less invasive solutions. When evaluating the breast, the doctor first takes a complete history of the patient (personal, family, surgeries, medications). Then follows the clinical examination, to identify any changes or other findings.

Dr Papadogiannakis refers the patient for a mammogram or further tests, if this is deemed necessary. It is very important for every woman to be familiar with the normal appearance and condition of her breasts and to perform regular self-examination so that she can identify symptoms such as pain, swelling, discharge from the nipple, any mass in the armpit or in the breasts.

A complete check up includes:

• Monthly self-examination
• Annual digital mammogram
• Annual (or more frequent) check-up by a specialized doctor.