BREAST EXAM CAN MAKE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE, DEATH.

Byline: ANN LANDERS 

Dear Ann Landers: I am a 32-year-old female and thought I was in excellent health. Last April, I felt a small lump in my breast while doing a self-exam. I wasn't too concerned since my doctor had just seen me and said I was fine.

The lump didn't go away, so I made another appointment for a breast exam. The doctor said there was nothing to be concerned about but offered to do a mammogram, even though they are not usually recommended for women under 40 who have no history of breast cancer.

The mammogram showed a small mass, so I went back for more tests. I was told I had a benign fibrocystic lump and not to worry, although the radiologist did suggest I see a surgeon about having the lump biopsied.

The surgeon reviewed my records in August and said the lump looked benign, but I scheduled a biopsy for the next day anyway. The results confirmed my worst fears - the lump was malignant. The surgeon said a mastectomy was my only option.

I insisted on another opinion and went to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. There, I was informed by an excellent oncologist that I was a good candidate for a lumpectomy - and that the cure rate was the same whether I had a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

The lumpectomy was done in September, and fortunately, the cancer was confined to the lump. Please tell your readers to do a monthly breast self-exam and, if they find a lump that doesn't go away, to see a doctor.

- Lucky Me in Louisiana

Dear Lucky: I urge every woman who finds a lump to get it checked out as soon as possible. Do not delay. Nothing on your calendar is as important as this.