The month of October is known for being the month that we recognize one of the most serious health risks among women today. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Breast Cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women and one in eight females in the US will be diagnosed at some point in their lives.
Feeling a lump or finding a mass on a mammogram screening is one of the most common signs of a malignant mass. In general, the mass is not painful, but does have irregular edges and is hard to the touch. Other symptoms can include:
· Breast swelling – this can be in all or part of the breast tissue with or without a palpable lump.
· Skin irritation – This can include redness, scaly skin or a thickening of nipple or breast tissue.
· Skin dimpling and / or an inward pointing nipple
· Breast or nipple irritation or pain
· Discharge other than breast milk
Early detection of breast cancer is important to give doctors the most treatment options and give you the best possible outcome. The ideal form of screening is through mammography, which allows the doctor to detect a lump before it can be felt through a self-breast exam. According to the American Cancer Society, physicians believe that early detection is a key factor in saving thousands of lives each year.
Because of the importance of early detection, the American Cancer Society also provides the following guidelines for breast cancer screenings (note: these guidelines are for women who are of average risk for the disease).
· Age 40 to 44 - Regular screenings are not necessary, but you should have the choice of having a mammogram if you wish to do so.
· Age 45 to 54 - Yearly mammograms.
· Age 55 and older - Mammograms every two years but you should have the option of continuing a yearly screening.
At Preston Memorial Hospital, our digital imaging department includes a state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to help patients with preventative breast cancer screenings as well cancer treatment plans. We use the latest digital technology to help with accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care plans. If you or someone you know is facing a breast cancer diagnosis contact our team today.
