Breast Health

How many of these breast cancer risk factors do you have?

1. Over age sixty-five. Half of all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are over age sixty-five.
2. Onset of your periods before age 12 or menopause onset after 55.
3. Eating foods high in saturated fat
4. Older age at birth of first child or never having given birth
5. A family history of breast cancer or benign breast disease, particularly a mother or sister
6. Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest
7. Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram
8. Taking estrogen and progesterone hormones
9. Obesity
10. Moderate alcoholic intake – more than 2 drinks per day
11. Gene changes – including BRCA1, BRCA2, and others

Questions and Answers

I found a lump in my breast, should I be worried?
Your providers are always concerned about any breast lump/pain/rashes/ skin or nipple changes that you may find in your breast.  You should always make an office appointment even if you had a normal mammogram last month.

What can I expect when I have an office appointment?
You will have a breast exam by your provider and we will discuss your mammogram results. We will discuss the following:  1) family history of breast cancer 2) your menstrual history, 3) whether you breast fed your children, 4) alcohol intake, 5) smoker, 6) hormone replacement therapy.

What will happen after that?
We do not take concerns regarding your breast health lightly. The next step will most probably be an ultrasound of your breast and in some cases an MRI. Sometimes we may send you to a surgeon for a consultation. We will also inform you of a blood test that is available to people with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to identify any genetic risks.

What kind of mammogram do you recommend?
At this time, the studies are showing that it is more beneficial to have a digital mammogram beginning at 4o. Our office prefers for you to have a baseline mammogram at age 35, and then a follow up in 2-3 years until age 40, then a mammogram is recommended every 1-2 years.
Self breast exams are still prudent in the fight against breast cancer, and typically should be done monthly. If you are still menstruating, the best time for self examination is 7-10 days after your period starts.