Breast Health & Mammograms

Schedule Your Mammogram. Once a Year, Every Year

Breast cancer is a serious health concern for women, and one that best responds to treatment when caught early. This is why primary care providers place emphasis on the importance of breast health. Performing regular breast exams reduces personal stress and helps to ensure that you will catch breast cancer in the earliest stages.

Self-Exams

The first step in maintaining breast health is becoming more familiar with your breasts so that you can identify abnormalities should they arise. You should perform a thorough self-exam once a month in which you check for abnormal lumps or discolorations. This process can be frustrating at first as it’s difficult to know what kinds of things might be “odd” for your breasts. By performing this exam on a regular basis, you will soon learn what is “normal” for your breasts and have an easier time identifying what kind of chances warrant a trip to the doctor.

The Importance of Annual Mammograms

The self-breast exam is important for recognizing the more notable signs of changes in the breast, but your annual mammogram serves as a vital test for identifying abnormalities inside and out. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can find calcifications, tumors, and other abnormalities embedded in the soft tissue.

What to expect during a mammogram:

• You will need to be disrobed from the waist up, but we will provide a wrap to wear that will not interfere with the test.
• You will be alone with the person performing the mammogram unless you request the presence of another person.
• Your breast will be flattened between two metal plates to compress the breast tissue for the x-ray. This only lasts for a few seconds to a couple minutes.
• Some discomfort is expected, but you should speak up if you are in pain.
• If you have breast implants or dense breast tissue, extra x-rays may be necessary.
• Your physician will contact you to discuss the results once the tests have been analyzed.

If someone in your family has breast cancer, then you are at an increased risk of developing it yourself. Receiving an annual mammogram and staying informed on the current condition of your breasts can help you reduce stress and remain prepared for the future.