HEALTHY LIVI NG Mammograms can save your life October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a great reminder to get your screening mammogram. Don’t be tempted to put off your mammogram this year because of the coronavirus pandemic; it could put you at serious risk. Take precautions now and schedule or keep your mammogram appointment. A mammogram uses special x-ray images to look for abnormal changes in the breast. The results are recorded directly into a computer for a radiologist to review and interpret. A mammogram allows the doctor to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that may or may not be felt during a breast exam. Breast changes occur in almost all women. Most of these changes are not cancer and are called “benign,” but only a doctor can know for sure. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. That’s why it’s crucial for all women 45 and older to get regular mammograms. Bristol Health recommends that you take the actions below, once you have reached these age milestones: At age 40: You have the choice to mammography, depending on your preferences and discussion with your doctor; At age 75+: Continue getting regular mammograms if you’re in good health Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but it can save your life by finding breast cancer as early as possible. Sometimes a mammogram shows dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue refers to the appearance of breast tissue on a mammogram. It’s a normal and common finding. On a mammogram, non-dense breast tissue appears dark and transparent. Dense breast tissue appears as a solid white area on a mammogram, which makes it difficult to see through. This makes breast cancer screening more difficult and it increases the risk that cancer won’t be detected on a mammogram. Review your breast cancer Rachael Marlin risk factors with your doctor and consider your options for additional breast cancer screening tests. Other tests may include 3-D mammogram, breast MRI, or breast ultrasound. It’s still important to know your body and perform self breast exams regularly! The risk of breast cancer increases with age. That’s why it’s crucial for all women 45 and older to get regular mammograms. start annual breast screening if you wish to do so; By age 45: Begin yearly mammograms; At age 55: Get mammograms every other year, or continue with annual Breast self-exam, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated successfully. Here are some tips on how to do a self breast exam: B8 Connecticut PRIME TIME • November 2021 Metro News Service -Try to get into the habit of doing a breast self-exam once a month to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel -Examine yourself several days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender Follow these five steps on how to perform the exam: Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look to make sure your breasts are their usual shape, size and color. Notify your doctor if you notice any dimpling, puckering, an inverted nipple or any redness/rash or swelling. Step 2: Now raise your arms and look for the same changes Step 3: While you’re at the mirror, looks for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood) Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. It helps to do this in the shower when your skin is wet and slippery. Cover your entire breast using the same hand movements described in step 4. Rachael Marlin serves as the nurse navigator at the Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness at Bristol Hospital. To schedule your mammogram, please call (860) 585-3999. To learn more about the Beekley Center by visiting bristolhealth.org/breast-health.
9 Publizr Home