Breast Cancer & Mammogram
Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control, forming a tumor. If not found early, these cells can spread to other parts of the body. The good news is that when breast cancer is detected early, the survival rate is very high.
Certain factors can increase that risk. It’s important to remember that having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer. Many women with no known risk factors develop the disease.
Every woman has some risk of developing breast cancer. Certain factors can increase that risk.
- Being a Woman: The primary risk factor.
- Getting Older: Risk increases with age.
- Genetics: Inherited gene mutations (like BRCA1 and BRCA2).
- Family History: Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast or ovarian cancer.
- Personal History: Having had breast cancer before.
- Dense Breast Tissue: Makes it harder to see tumors on a mammogram.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese after menopause.
- Physical Activity: Not being physically active.
- Alcohol: Frequent alcohol consumption increases risk.
Screening Mammogram for Average-Risk Women
Screening guidelines are based on your age and personal risk level. At our clinic, we generally follow the recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Key Things to Know
Mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Regular screening in this age range has shown the most benefit in saving lives.
Continue screening based on your health. We will discuss whether to continue mammograms based on your overall health and life expectancy.
Important Note: High-Risk Women
- If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, a known genetic mutation, or other significant risk factors, your screening plan will be different. It may include starting mammograms earlier, having them more often, or adding other screening tests like a breast MRI. Please discuss your family and personal history with us in detail.
The Three Pillars of Early Detection
Early detection is your most powerful tool. It involves a combination of three key practices:
Knowing what is normal for your breasts is crucial. We encourage you to be familiar with the look and feel of your breasts so you can report any changes to us immediately.
Check for any of the following changes:
- A new lump or mass in the breast or armpit.
- Swelling of all or part of a breast.
- Skin irritation, dimpling, or puckering.
- Breast or nipple pain.
- Nipple retraction (turning inward).
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk).
This is a physical exam performed by your provider during your annual wellness visit. We will carefully feel your breasts and underarms for any lumps or other changes.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. It is the most effective screening tool for finding breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages, often before a lump can even be felt.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do mammograms hurt? | You may feel some discomfort or pressure when your breast is compressed, but it only lasts for a few seconds. Try to schedule your mammogram for the week after your period, when your breasts are least tender. |
| What about the radiation from a mammogram? | The amount of radiation used in a modern mammogram is very low. The benefit of early detection far outweighs the minimal risk from this radiation exposure. |
| What happens if my mammogram is abnormal? | An abnormal finding is common and does not automatically mean you have cancer. Most of the time, it simply means you need additional imaging, like a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound, to get a closer look. We will guide you through every step of the process. |
You may feel some discomfort or pressure when your breast is compressed, but it only lasts for a few seconds. Try to schedule your mammogram for the week after your period, when your breasts are least tender.
The amount of radiation used in a modern mammogram is very low. The benefit of early detection far outweighs the minimal risk from this radiation exposure.
An abnormal finding is common and does not automatically mean you have cancer. Most of the time, it simply means you need additional imaging, like a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound, to get a closer look. We will guide you through every step of the process.