Breast cancer: Self-examination and early diagnosis

Get to know your breasts and learn about early diagnosis of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in Norway. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment.

Dr. Dropin encourages all women to get to know their breasts and participate in screening programs.

Read on to learn more

Book an appointment

Pink Bow - Show your support in the fight against breast cancer

Mammography every two years

In Norway, we have the public mammography program which every two years invites women between the ages of 50 and 69 to have an X-ray examination of their breasts.

The aim of the program is to reduce mortality from breast cancer and detect the cancer at an early stage.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and affects over 4,000 women in Norway each year.

It is important not to wait for screening if you have concerns or changes in your breasts. Our doctors can refer you to an examination outside the program when you suspect disease in the breast.

Book an appointment

Self-examination of the breasts

It is important to get to know your own breasts so that you can detect any changes early.

Guide to self-examination

Look: Stand in front of a mirror and look for changes in the shape, size or skin of your breasts. Raise your arms and look for changes in your armpits.
Feel: Take one arm above your head. Use the opposite hand to feel the chest. Use a straight hand with flat fingers to feel for lumps or thickenings in the chest and armpit. Repeat on the other side.
Check the nipples: Look for changes in shape, size or direction. Gently squeeze the nipples and look for discharge.

You can also watch a film made by the Norwegian Cancer Society:

Risk factors for breast cancer

The risk increases with age.
Breast cancer in the family increases the risk.
Some genes increase the risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol, obesity and lack of physical activity can increase the risk.
Early menstruation, late menopause and the use of hormone therapy can increase the risk.

Book an appointment