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Early Detection Is Key: A Woman's Guide to Breast Health
Every year, more than 375,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the United States, and nearly 43,000 women die from the disease, according to data from the American Cancer Society.
While those numbers are alarming, the good news is that breast cancer is highly treatable when caught early, which is why it’s so important for every woman to hone her breast health skills.
As a leading provider of state-of-the-art breast cancer screenings, Feminine Urgicare is committed to helping women learn all they can about breast health and the vital importance of regular screening exams.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our team offers the following guidance to help you make breast health a top priority this month and all year round.
Understanding your risk factors
Maintaining optimal breast health begins by knowing your risk factors for breast cancer. Many people think that as long as they don’t have a family history of breast cancer, they won’t develop the disease. But that’s not the case.
In fact, most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
What’s more, genetic mutations, including the mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated with increased breast cancer risk are uncommon, accounting for only about 5%-10% of breast cancer diagnoses.
That said, family history can increase your risk, particularly if the cancer occurs in a first-degree relative — a mother, sister, or daughter. Your risk is also higher if that family member:
- Has aggressive breast cancer
- Has cancer in both breasts
- Was diagnosed prior to age 50 (before menopause)
If your father or brother has breast cancer, your risk also increases.
Other risk factors include:
- Prolonged hormone therapy
- Weight challenges
- Being 55 years old or older
- Having dense breast tissue
- Being taller
- Having certain benign breast conditions
- Beginning your period before age 12
- Starting menopause later, especially after age 55
Your risk may also be higher if you had radiation therapy to your chest to treat cancer or if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.
While some risk factors can’t be changed (like your age or genes), weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and other lifestyle habits can be, making these good targets for adopting breast-healthy routines.
The importance of regular screenings
Mammograms are the gold standard for early breast cancer detection. These low-dose X-rays can reveal tumors long before they can be felt during a “hands-on” examination, supporting both early diagnosis and early treatment.
Many women worry about the discomfort associated with mammograms, but they aren’t as bad as many people make out.
Mammograms may be a little uncomfortable, but they’re absolutely tolerable and each scan only takes a few moments — a small time investment for major health benefits.
The American Cancer Society recommends women have annual mammograms beginning at age 45, but if you have elevated risk factors for breast cancer, we may recommend screenings earlier or more frequently.
Know what changes to look for
While they’re definitely no substitute for regular medical screenings, at-home breast self-exams can help identify unusual changes that need to be medically evaluated.
When most people think of self-exams, they think of feeling for lumps, but that’s just one sign you need to know about.
Some cancers can cause changes in your skin texture or cause your skin to look “puckery. Your nipples might change in appearance, or you might notice nipple discharge. Swelling around the breast or under your arm is another sign that needs to be checked right away.
Not sure how to perform a self-exam? Check this website for guidance. Remember, performing these exams regularly helps you get used to the way your breasts normally feel, making it easier to spot changes quickly.
Finally, if you find a lump or another change, don’t panic. Many benign breast conditions cause similar symptoms, and these conditions are a lot more common than cancer. Call the office right away so we can schedule an examination, screening, and other testing, if necessary.
Take charge of your health today
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is essential, and that means having regular breast cancer screening.
To schedule your exam or to learn more about mammograms and ultrasounds we use to evaluate breast tissue, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.