Category Archives: Breast Cancer Screening

Kicking Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October has arrived, and that means along with Halloween decorations, Pink is everywhere! October is known across the world as Breast Cancer Awareness month. The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness about breast cancer. We want to do our part and make you aware of how important breast care is for both women and men. 

Importance of Breast Screeningbreast cancer awareness mamograms

Staying on top of breast care is very important when it comes to reducing the risk or spreading of Breast Cancer. There are various screenings such as mammograms, breast ultrasounds, biopsies, or self-exams that can alert you if breast cancer is a concern.

Self Breast Exams

Each month you should lie on your back and perform a self-breast exam. To examine your right breast, raise your right arm and roll towards your left until your breast is flat on your chest. Using your index, middle, and ring finger make small dime sized circles. Increase and decrease pressure as you go making sure to thoroughly feel each area of your breast. Switch hands and repeat the process on the opposite side.

Mammograms

After discussing the best age to begin with your doctor, women should begin getting an annual mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts. This can help to identify any abnormal formations under your skin.

Breast Ultrasounds

Breast ultrasounds are usually the first go to for concerns regarding masses in your breasts. As a safe screening option, younger women can receive a breast ultrasound. Speak with your healthcare provider for more information regarding breast ultrasounds.

Biopsies

After either a breast ultrasound or a mammogram, your doctor may want to do a biopsy. If a mass is found, a biopsy will inform your care provider if the lump is cancerous or benign. Although being told you have a lump may be nerve-wracking, not all lumps are breast cancer. A biopsy will give confirmation of whether or not further procedures are necessary.

For more information on breast cancer screening, contact us today!

New Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening

American Cancer Society Released New Breast Cancer Guidelines

In October 2015, the American Cancer Society released new guidelines for breast cancer screening. Breast cancer screening is to find a possible disease in women or men who don’t have symptoms.

New Guideline Recommendations;

  • Most women should begin receiving their yearly mammograms at age 45.
  • Women should be able to start breast cancer screening as early as age 40.
  • At age 55 women should receive mammograms every other year and women who want to receive mammograms each year should be able to.
  • Mammogram screening should continue through a women’s healthy life.
  • Breast Exams, from a medical provider or self-exams, are no longer recommended.

Our local Medical Clinics believe it is Important to Self Examine and to find Breast Cancer Early

At Westland clinic we encourage your mammogram screening each year. Although the American Cancer Society has moved the screening date to a few years later we highly encourage performing self breast exams well before. For more information on Mammograms or self exams contact Westland Michigan Medical Clinic. Talk to our doctors about breast cancer screening by age 40 and share your personal and family medical history to help determine if you have an average or high risk of developing breast cancer. Women who are at high risk should begin breast cancer screening earlier and more often.