As a gynecologist, my patients are commonly women who have not been to their women’s health care provider in years and lack an understanding of how important it is to have annual screening exams. My goal is to educate women on the importance of not just having a yearly exam, but also the reasons why it’s so important.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. Additionally, it is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in America. A woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 12 percent. The good thing is that breast cancer-related deaths have decreased over the past 50 years, mostly due to increased screening.
The significant risk factors for the development of breast cancer are a family history of breast, ovarian, or other hereditary cancer; early age at menses; late menopause; no pregnancies; increasing age; alcohol consumption; smoking; and certain ethnicities.
A mammogram is the primary tool used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms are also used to check lumps and other breast symptoms. People often ask if mammograms are painful. The pressure of the plates can make breasts ache; however, the discomfort is temporary.
Another commonly asked question is: “What does it mean when my doctor says, ‘You have dense breast?’” Fat and fibrous tissue gives breasts their shape. When described as “dense,” it means that they are more fibrous and less fat. Breast density is a normal and common finding on a mammogram.
Clinical breast exams are the other tool used to screen for breast cancer. These should be done every one to three years starting at age 25 unless there is a strong family history of breast cancer. They should be done annually after age 40. After age 75, women do not need mammograms.
It is no longer recommended to do regular self-breast exams, but women should be aware of what is normal for their breasts. If you see a change in your breast, then alert your health care provider.
Lastly and most importantly, women should know their family history. All cancer is not created equal. Breast cancer is not the same as lung cancer; lung cancer usually isn’t hereditary, but breast cancer can be. Ask family members about specific diagnoses or cancer.
In summary, get screened, know your breast, and know your family history.
Remember, People’s Health Centers Women’s Health Department is ready to assist you.
Dr. Eboni January is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist currently practicing at Betty Jean Kerr Peoples Health Centers.
