Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnosis
The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer drops in advanced stages of the disease. Too many women wait until they experience symptoms, like a lump, before they get a mammogram or clinical breast exam. By then, the cancer may have spread and be more difficult to treat and cure.
Following a four-step plan is the best preventative prescription for healthy breasts:
- Lower your risk. A healthy lifestyle is important. Make healthy choices, try to avoid tobacco products, stay at a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, be physically active and limit alcohol use.
- Know your risk. Some risk factors can’t be modified and place a woman at high risk such as family history of breast and ovarian cancer, genetic mutations, early puberty and late menopause. Taking a breast cancer risk assessment can help identify your individual risk score and risk reduction strategies and when screening mammogram may be recommended.
- Clinical breast exam. Performed by a doctor or nurse who is trained to evaluate breast problems.
- Screening mammogram. A simple, safe, low-level X-ray to locate any changes that may have occurred from the previous screening.
Perhaps the most important of these steps is regular breast cancer screenings. Medical experts estimate that early screenings save thousands of lives each year. It could save yours.
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, start getting a clinical breast exam every one to three years from your primary care provider or gynecologist. If you’re over 40, be sure to talk to your doctor about risk factors that determine how often you should have a screening mammogram.
We offer advanced 3D mammography for screening and diagnostic mammograms at all of our imaging locations throughout northeast Ohio.
To schedule a clinical breast exam with a physician or to schedule a digital mammogram, simply call 234.312.5800.
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
With one out of every eight women developing breast cancer in her lifetime, many women have concerns about their own personal risk. We offer the breast cancer risk assessment for those individuals interested in learning their individual risk for developing breast cancer, and it identifies women at higher than average risk. Based on your individual risk, your doctor will be able to determine what preventive cancer screening is best for you, the frequency of screening and if you might benefit from genetic testing.