How often should clinical breast exams be offered to patients aged 25-39?

• A. Every six months
• B. Every year
• C. Every one to three years
• D. Never

Answer: (C)

In preventive care for women aged 25–39, clinical breast exams should be offered every one to three years. This interval reflects the lower risk of breast cancer in this age group and aims to balance catching any signs early with avoiding over-testing and false positives that come with too-frequent exams. A CBE is a part of routine care and should be available, especially if the patient has symptoms or risk factors, but routine annual screening with CBE is not typically indicated for average-risk women under 40. Remember, CBE complements imaging—not a substitute—since routine mammography for average-risk individuals under 40 is not generally recommended.