It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Breast Cancer has the highest rate of new cancer cases for females in the United States, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for females in the country. This is why breast health education and exams are a vital part of a woman’s health care. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is the perfect time for us to talk about breast health and the best practices for early detection.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner. Breast self-awareness and clinical exams are important ways to monitor breast health and potentially catch any changes that may lead to or are signs of cancer.

How is breast cancer screened?

In our offices, clinical exams and Mammography are used to screen for breast cancer. We recommend women with an average risk of breast cancer have clinical breast exams every 1-3 years from ages 25-39. Once a woman is 40-years-old, we recommend she have a clinical exam every year, as well as mammography screening. In addition to these screening procedures, women should self examine their breasts in between check-ups, as women often detect breast cancer first.

How can you lower the risk of developing breast cancer?

Many factors impact one’s risk of developing breast cancer, including age, genetics, reproductive history, family history of cancer, exposure to radiation therapy and breast density. Lifestyle and hormonal changes can both lower one’s risk for breast cancer, and certain inherited risk factors can be treated with medicines or surgery.

What happens during a mammography screening?

During a mammography screening, x-ray images of the breasts are taken, allowing doctors to better see any potential signs of cancer. During this exam, a woman stands in front of the x-ray machine and her breasts are placed one at a time in between two plates. The plates will firmly press on the breasts, so that the most tissue possible can be captured by the x-ray.

If you have any questions about breast cancer, call us or ask your doctor at your next appointment. You can also learn more about the wonderful women on our Mammography Team by checking out our most recent Staff Spotlight.