Dr. Richards: This October, Don’t Ignore Your Breast Health

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

The American Cancer Society reports that about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

Women diagnosed in early stages of the cancer have a better chance of long-term survival than in later stages when it has spread, which is why annual check-ups and screenings are so crucial.

Here’s what you need to know and answers to some key questions we commonly hear about breast health and breast cancer screening.

Who should have regular mammograms and how often?

Every woman who is 40 years or older and in good health should have a mammogram every year. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer when it is still small, often before you are able to feel it.

Research has shown that mammograms save lives. Annual mammograms from ages 40 to 84 may reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by about 40 percent.

While some women may have concerns about radiation exposure from mammograms, the amount of radiation is very low and considered safe.

Mammograms remain the gold standard for finding breast cancer at its earliest stage.

Why are self-exams important?

Breast self-exams, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated successfully.

While no single test can detect all breast cancers early, performing breast self-exams in combination with other screening methods can increase the chances of early detection.

Breast self-exams are just one way to become familiar with the shape and feel of your breasts. However, in recent years, there has been concern that breast self-exams cause women to unnecessarily worry or visit their doctor with concerns. It is best to use breast self-exams in combination with mammograms and regular check-ups with your provider.

What does a breast lump feel like?

Women's breasts are all different, and breasts can change throughout a woman’s cycle and over time. Some women naturally have dense and lumpy breasts, which does not mean they have breast cancer. Becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel will help you notice any new changes or developments.

If you do notice a change in your breasts, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. A mammogram, ultrasound, or both may be recommended to determine if there is a concern.

Talk to your care provider immediately if you notice:

• a lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• change in the size or shape of the breast
• dimpling or puckering of the skin
• itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• new pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

Beebe’s Center for Breast Health focuses on both breast cancer prevention and treatment. Visit our website to learn more about breast health, including risk factors, screening, and available resources.

Matthew Richards, MD, is a board certified surgeon who joins Beebe Healthcare following completion of a comprehensive breast surgical oncology fellowship at ChristianaCare Health System. Working in the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, he collaborated with radiation and medical oncologists, pathologists, genetic specialists, and plastic surgeons to provide integrated, multi-disciplinary care for patients through their journey of breast cancer treatment. In tandem, Dr. Richards devoted much time to clinical research, with particular interest in triple negative breast cancer, breast cancer screening, and care for transgender patients.