Breast Health is one of the most important topics a woman can discuss during her lifetime.
The breast tissue that overlays the chest muscles. Women’s breasts are made of specialized tissue that produce milk, as well as fatty tissue.
As we get older there are some very basic things we can do to keep our breasts healthy. They include:
There are many places to go to research breast cancer. The most important information to remember is to be aware of the myths and facts, know your family history, and get preventive, routine mammograms.
Both men and women can get breast cancer, though the risk is much higher for women.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for 2019 about 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States.
Mammograms
The American College of Radiology continues to recommend that women get yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
Read: 7 Things to Know About Getting a Mammogram
Mammograms can help detect cancer early when treatments are more likely to be successful.
Research has found mammograms to correctly identify about 84 percent of women who truly have breast cancer.
Diagnostic Testing
At Harrington, we offer a variety of diagnostic testing, including breast biopsies. Unlike other healthcare facilities, we have stand-up imaging machines to perform the procedure. This is less intrusive for the patient and creates a more calming environment.
Read: About Your Breast Biopsy
Read: About Your Stereotactic Biopsy
Breast Self-Exam
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.
While mammograms can help to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your health care professional there are any changes.
Read: The Five Steps to a Breast Self Exam
You can do a breast self-exam in the shower, in front of a mirror, or lying down.