Got Breast???

For many of us since about the age 13 we've come to terms with having breast. As we get older the focus becomes more about the health of our breast and less about the lastest Victoria Secret innovation.  

Prior to the age of 50 or 40 depending on your physician's recommendations, many of us rely on Self Breast Exams (SBE) or an annual Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) to notice any changes or developments in our breast.  A more thorough examination of the breast involves an Xray procedure called a mammogram.   A proactive woman greatly benefits from getting a mammograms regularly.   To be proactive in getting your mammograms we should follow the CDC's recommendation to get a mammogram once every two years.  According to the American Cancer Society, detecting breast cancer in its early stages can lead to a significantly higher survival rate and a greater range of treatment options (ACS, 2012).   Rates for breast cancer distribution are only slightly different among racial groups, which means all women should get mammograms. 

 Table Source: SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 2011

Many women are nervous about getting their first mammogram due to fear of pain or finding "something", whether it be cancerous or non-cancerous.  To ease your worries a video has been provided to give you a sense of what what to expect during your first mammorgram.  

Sources:

• http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-030975.pdf
• http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html
• http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-GmNmPeqHQ