At Majewski Plastic Surgery and Spa, we take breast health seriously, which means this October, we’re helping to spread some knowledge about various ways we can all take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Every year since the mid-90s, the third Friday in October has served as a reminder to all women that the best defense for breast cancer is early detection. National Mammography Day (October 16) is meant to encourage women to not only schedule or undergo their regularly planned screenings, but also talk to their doctors about what prevention, screening intervals and healthy lifestyles choices are best for them.
Mammograms for Early Detection
An X-ray picture of the breast, mammograms allow doctors to detect breast cancer early through the examination of the breast tissue. They’re looking for abnormalities or hints of cancer that other methods may not be able to detect. And early diagnosis significantly increases the chance for successful treatment.
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
While the recommendations have changed throughout the years—currently it’s suggested by the American Cancer Society that women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year, while women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years—it’s important to be fully aware of your risk and lifestyle choices much earlier.
Your family’s history of breast cancer will play a major role in preventative measures you take and can affect when you start mammography screening. According to the CDC, if you have a parent or sibling with breast cancer, your risk is higher and you should consider talking to your doctor about starting mammography screening in your early 40s. If you’re under 40, mammograms are generally not recommended unless you have a mutation, a genetic reason or physical symptoms.
However, it’s also important to note that while your risk is higher if immediate family members have the disease, most women diagnosed with breast cancer don't have a family history of it. Yes, one in eight females in the United States will develop the disease, so it’s important to use National Mammography Day to not only talk to your doctor about whether or not it’s time for a mammogram based on your unique health profile, but also understand other ways in which you can protect yourself against breast cancer.
While no food or diet can prevent the disease, lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking and maintaining a healthy diet have been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing it. But because even the healthiest women are at risk, here are some ways you can partake in National Mammography Day and stay on top of your health this month!
Do a Self Exam at Home
While there has been debate over the value of at-home breast self exams (the American Cancer Society says physical exams at home have not shown a clear benefit), it’s still very important to be aware of your body and potential changes. The self breast exam can be useful in combination with regular physical exams by a doctor or a mammogram, depending on your age. While looking at your breasts, if you see any changes including dimpling or bulging of the skin, redness, soreness, rashes or swelling; or a nipple that has changed, you should call your doctor.
Schedule a Mammogram
If you’re between 45-55 and you haven’t started menopause, schedule your mammogram for the week after your menstrual period. Your breasts usually are less tender then. If your past screening mammograms have shown you have dense breasts, ask about extra tests, like the recommended breast ultrasound. If you’re between 40-45, talk to your doctor about whether a mammogram is right for you based on your family history and health profile.
Schedule an Annual Appointment With Your Physician or OBGYN
Aside from radiation concerns, mammograms are not typically recommended before the age of 40 because younger women tend to have dense breast tissue as it is. If you’re under 40, know that breast cancer continues to be extremely rare among women your age. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive. Schedule an annual appointment with your physician or OBGYN to evaluate your breast cancer risk (do you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation? Have you had radiation therapy to the chest?) and ask for a breast exam (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology believes clinical breast exams should be offered every 1-3 years if you’re between 25-39 years old).
If You Have Breast Implants, Know This
Cancer detection and survival rates are no different between women with or without implants, but routine screenings can be a bit more involved. If you have implants, be sure to tell the scheduler before your mammogram as there are extra steps involved, like how to position the breast and how much compression is used.
