Health Tip from Lissa Pitts: Lead Mammographer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a good reminder to pay attention to your breast health. Early detection can make a difference, and knowing your personal risk and when to be screened are important steps.
For women at average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammography beginning at age 40. Women who are at higher risk may need to begin screening earlier or have additional screening, such as a breast MRI.
Know your risk. Talk with your healthcare provider about your personal risk for breast cancer. Factors that may increase risk include a family or personal history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, a previous high-risk breast biopsy, prior radiation treatment to the chest and dense breast tissue.
Know your breast density. Dense breast tissue is common. It can make some cancers more difficult to see on a mammogram and is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. If you have dense breasts, talk with your healthcare provider about whether additional imaging may be appropriate. Mammography remains an important part of screening, even for women with dense breasts.
Don’t ignore changes. Screening mammograms are intended to find breast cancer before symptoms develop, but it’s also important to pay attention to changes in your breasts. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a new lump or thickening, skin dimpling or other skin changes, nipple inversion or discharge, a change in breast size or shape, or another new or unusual change.
The most important step is to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the screening plan that’s right for you.
If you’re 40 or older and due for your annual mammogram, October is a great time to get it on the calendar.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 620-241-2251, ext. 3950