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Here you'll find a wealth of information about early detection and important breast health tips, courtesy of the Katzmann Breast Center at Mercy.
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Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Many women live long lives following their cancer diagnosis. The key to survival is early detection.
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If you feel a lump, don’t be afraid to get it checked. About eight out of ten lumps are non-cancerous. A mammogram is the single best tool widely available for early detection of breast cancer. Don’t wait. Call and schedule a mammogram today.
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Mammograms are not a big deal. There is minimal pain and Mercy has the MamoPad which cushions the breast during the exam — making it much more comfortable. Remember, on the day of your mammogram, do not use powders, deodorants or lotions. They often contain products that can distort your results.
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Your breast health history includes your race, how old you were when you started having menstrual periods, how old you were when you delivered your 1st child, number and relations of family members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. When visiting your doctor, I encourage you to have this information.
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Calcifications are calcium deposits that are normal occurrence in aging breast tissue. Further evaluation is indicated when there are clusters of 4 or more calcifications close together.
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Fibrocystic condition of the breasts is a non-cancerous growth of the supportive structures of the breast. They occur most often in women 20 to 40 years old. Don’t panic if you find a breast lump. Call for an exam with a doctor.
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Mammograms can often detect abnormalities at their earliest stages. An abnormal mammogram does not mean you have a life-threatening condition — especially when mammograms are taken on a yearly basis.
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Just because you don’t have a family history of breast cancer doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. About 80 percent of the women diagnosed have no family history of the disease.
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Approximately 15% of breast concerns are not detected by mammography. Therefore, complete breast health care includes a monthly Breast Self Exam, a yearly mammography for women over 39 years old and a yearly exam by a health practitioner.
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Women with fibrocystic condition often don’t do monthly Breast Self Exams because they fear not being able to recognize a change. It is important to always do Breast Self Exams as this can detect changes much earlier than on a yearly exam by a practitioner.
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If you detect a change when doing your monthly Breast Self Exam, note the location and size on your calendar. If the change is still notable during your next Breast Self Exam, it is time to notify your physician.
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As soon as you get your new calendar for next year, mark the month you are due for your mammogram. Remember, mammograms are read by comparing them to previous films to detect changes. So it is very important to know where your mammogram films are kept.
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