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Tag Archive for: mammograms

Posts

Breast Cancer: Risks, Symptoms and Treatments

Healthcare 101, Women's Health

Breast cancer can be a scary topic. But the more you know about its signs, symptoms and treatment, the more empowered you can be in your healthcare journey.  While it is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., according to the CDC, it is treatable and has a high survival rate. Survival rates improve significantly when breast cancer is detected early, which is why regular screenings are so important.

Breast cancer basics

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a lump or tumor. The types of breast cancer are determined by the type of cells that are affected in the breast tissue.

The two most common types of breast cancer are ductal and lobular carcinoma, which start in the milk-making glands of the breast. These cancers are further differentiated based on whether they are invasive or in situ. Invasive breast cancer means that the cancer has spread beyond the duct or lobule where it originated. In situ cancer is confined to that specific area.

The least common types of breast cancer include inflammatory breast cancer and Paget disease of the breast (also called Paget disease of the nipple). Inflammatory breast cancer is invasive. When the cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin, the skin reddens and swells, making the breast appear inflamed. Paget disease of the breast usually affects the nipple and surrounding skin (areola).

Signs and symptoms

The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or underarm. Not all lumps are cancerous, however, and many women have lumps in their breasts that are not cancerous.

Other potential signs of breast cancer include breast changes, like:

  • changes in the size or shape of the breast
  • dimpling or thickening of the skin
  • nipple discharge
  • new and persistent breast pain that is different from regular menstrual pain

Stages of breast cancer

The stages of breast cancer are based on how much cancer has spread throughout the body. The lower the stage, the less the cancer has spread.

To determine the stage of cancer, doctors will evaluate several components:

  • size of the tumor
  • lymph node involvement
  • spread to distant sites
  • involvement of hormones
  • grade of the cancer, which is determined by how many cells still have a normal appearance

Breast cancer risk factors

While breast cancer can affect anyone, certain factors can increase your risk:

  • Age: the risk for developing breast cancer increases as women age, making age the number one risk factor
  • Obesity
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Genetic mutations such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
  • Breast density
  • Prior radiation treatments
  • Lifestyle: Not being physically active, drinking alcohol and smoking all increase your risk of breast cancer.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy and Birth Control Pills (these present the smallest risk of all the above risk factors)

Preventing breast cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Breast cancer screening is also an important tool for early detection, which can help increase your chances of successful treatment.

Screening tests may include mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-exams. Mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40, although some women may need to start screening earlier based on their risk factors. While self-exams are no longer routinely recommended by every doctor, it’s still important to be aware of any changes in your breasts and report them to your healthcare provider.

About two-thirds of breast cancers are detected on screening mammograms. The remaining one-third are discovered between screenings. Talk to your doctor about when to start screening and how often to get mammograms based on your individual risk factors. See our list of places you can schedule a mammogram in Madison.

What if they find a lump or something suspicious?

When something suspicious is found during a routine mammogram or if a lump is felt, your provider will recommend a diagnostic mammogram. But don’t panic yet just because you need a diagnostic mammogram. Of all diagnostic mammograms performed, about 1 in 10 shows cancer. However, the majority of the time, the findings are benign (not cancerous).

Treating breast cancer

The treatments for breast cancer vary depending on the type of cancer it is, how it would respond to treatment, and how advanced the cancer is. For example, some breast cancers respond to hormones, while others do not.

Breast cancer treatment options may include:

  • surgery
  • chemotherapy
  • radiation therapy
  • and hormone therapy.

A combination of these treatments may be used, depending on the stage of the cancer. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and may be modified as needed. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for breast cancer and involves the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. The type of surgery performed depends on the size and location of the tumor and other factors.

Some common surgical procedures for breast cancer are:

  • mastectomy
  • lumpectomy
  • and lymph node removal.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs that are delivered through an IV or pill to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells or before surgery to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy can have side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue, but there are medications and other strategies to manage these symptoms.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or before surgery to shrink the tumor. It is a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the area being treated. Common side effects of radiation therapy include skin changes and fatigue, but these symptoms usually go away after treatment is completed.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is a treatment option for breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive, meaning that the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy blocks the effects of these hormones or reduces their production, which can slow or stop the growth of the cancer cells. This treatment option is often used after surgery and may be given for several years. Common side effects of hormone therapy include hot flashes, mood changes, and joint pain.

Serious but treatable

Be proactive about your breast health by knowing the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and getting regular screenings. Early detection is key to successful treatment and higher survival rates. A healthy lifestyle, including exercise, a balanced diet, and limited alcohol consumption, can also help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Remember, if you have any concerns or questions about breast cancer, don’t hesitate to speak with your OBGYN at Madison Women’s Health. With awareness, early detection, and proper treatment, we can continue to make progress in the fight against breast cancer.

Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P. - Female gynecologistShannon Wixom is a board certified Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultant. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edgewood College in 2005. After graduating nursing school, she enjoyed 13 years caring for women as a labor and delivery nurse. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Concordia University and began her career as a Nurse Practitioner in 2018. Her experience in primary care and passion for women’s health led her to Madison Women’s Health. Her areas of special interest include preventive health, pregnancy and reproductive health care.

May 25, 2023/by Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P
https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/breast-cancer-symptoms-treatment-survival-rates.jpg 801 1200 Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mwh_logo-300x177.png Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P2023-05-25 08:55:082023-04-18 08:56:03Breast Cancer: Risks, Symptoms and Treatments

Mammograms: Do They Hurt? When to Get One, and Other FAQ

Healthcare 101, Women's Health

Mammograms are an essential screening tool that can detect breast cancer at an early stage, making treatment more successful. At Madison Women’s Health, we strongly encourage women to undergo regular mammograms as a preventive measure against breast cancer.

In this article, we’ll cover the types of mammograms, how often you should have one performed, and what the mammogram is looking for.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. It is performed by a trained technician who specializes in mammography. The images are then interpreted by a radiologist who also specializes in mammography. These doctors are highly trained and have the necessary expertise to diagnose any potential issues with your breast tissue.

The radiologist will search the mammogram images for abnormalities or changes to your breast tissue, such as small white spots or larger masses. These could indicate cancer.

Types of Mammograms

  1. Screening: Screening mammograms are used as a preventive measure to detect breast cancer before any symptoms develop. It will establish a baseline for what your normal breast tissue looks like and will help a radiologist detect changes and abnormalities as early as possible.
  2. Diagnostic: Diagnostic mammograms are used to evaluate a problem or concern, such as a lump or breast pain. Depending on your age and prior screening history, diagnostic mammograms may include an ultrasound of the breast. They use the same machine as screening mammograms but take many more x-ray images.

Mammography technology can create 2-D or 3-D images.

3-D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis mammography, is a new and advanced form of mammography that uses multiple x-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. This method is different from the standard 2-D mammogram in that it captures images of the breast from multiple angles, providing a more detailed view of the breast tissue. (Note: Not all health insurances cover 3-D mammography, and not all locations have machines that perform 3-D mammograms.)

What about other ways to screen for cancer? Instead of mammograms, some functional medicine providers offer thermograms, which detect heat in the breast tissue. However, they are not currently recognized as an effective screening tool and are not a replacement for mammograms.

When to Get a Screening Mammogram

Mammograms are a highly effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer early, up to three years before a lump can be felt.

Different organizations have different recommendations for when to start getting mammograms.

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends beginning at age 40 for routine screening and repeating every 1-2 years.
  • The American Cancer Society recommends screenings starting at age 40-44 every other year; age 45-50 every year; and age 55+ every other year.

What is so special about age 40? Most breast cancers are post-menopausal, so they would be more likely to occur in women over 50. Screening 10 years in advance gives you more time to watch for abnormalities and changes in your breast tissue. Catching breast cancer as early as possible significantly improves survival rates.

When to Stop Getting Mammograms

Women should continue getting mammograms as long as they are in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.

Family History of Breast Cancer

If you have a family history of breast cancer, the recommendations may change depending on who in your family had cancer and at what age they were diagnosed.

In general, if your mother or sister had breast cancer, you may need to start getting mammograms 10 years before the age at which they were diagnosed. If there is a strong history of breast cancer in your family, your doctor may also offer genetic testing and may recommend both mammograms and MRIs for screening. In some cases, you may be referred to a breast clinic and meet with a surgeon and a genetic counselor to discuss your options, but this recommendation is relatively rare.

Are Mammograms Harmful?

The benefits of mammograms far outweigh the potential harms. The small amount of radiation exposure from mammograms is negligible and equivalent to the amount of radiation exposure from natural surroundings over a three-month period.

However, mammograms can produce false-positive results, which can lead to anxiety, extra tests, procedures and biopsies.

What is It Like to Get a Mammogram?

This procedure is done while you stand in front of the mammogram machine. The machine will be adjusted to your height, including a “shelf” or “plate” for your breast to rest on. The technician will position your breast on the shelf before compressing it with another plate from above. This will spread out the breast tissue and hold it in place, allowing for a clear and detailed image of the breast. Several x-ray images will be taken of your breast.

The tech will verify the quality of the x-ray images. (The tech cannot interpret your images.) These images are then examined by a radiologist who specializes in mammography to identify any abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue.

Do Mammograms Hurt?

Mammograms are generally not painful, but they can be uncomfortable for some women. The level of discomfort varies depending on the size of your breast and how long it takes to get the pictures needed. Additionally, some women experience increased sensitivity around their period. However, discomfort is short-lived and lasts only for a few minutes.

Can You Get a Mammogram While Breastfeeding?

It’s recommended that women who are breastfeeding wait until they are done to have a mammogram. This is because the pictures taken during a mammogram may not be as accurate when there is milk in the breasts.

However, if you have a breast concern, your doctor might recommend a diagnostic mammogram. In that case, pump or feed your baby 30 minutes before the mammogram to help ensure accuracy.

Can Women with Breast Implants Get Mammograms?

If you have breast implants, let your doctor know when you schedule your mammogram. Extra pictures will need to be taken, and the implant will need to be manipulated to help ensure accuracy.

Implants are designed to withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure, so it is highly unlikely that a mammogram could rupture the implant.

Are Mammograms Covered by Insurance?

Mammograms are covered by most health insurance plans as a preventive health service. Wisconsin’s well-woman program covers breast cancer screenings for eligible women who meet certain income and insurance requirements. Women who do not have insurance or cannot afford a mammogram should contact their local health department or the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for assistance.

Conclusion

Since annual screening became available in the early 1990s, there has been a 30% reduction in deaths from breast cancer. Even though the procedure may be uncomfortable, it’s important to receive regular mammograms to help prevent and identify breast cancer as early as possible.

Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P. - Female gynecologistShannon Wixom is a board certified Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultant. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edgewood College in 2005. After graduating nursing school, she enjoyed 13 years caring for women as a labor and delivery nurse. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Concordia University and began her career as a Nurse Practitioner in 2018. Her experience in primary care and passion for women’s health led her to Madison Women’s Health. Her areas of special interest include preventive health, pregnancy and reproductive health care.

March 30, 2023/by Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P
https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mammograms-when-to-get-one.jpg 800 1200 Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mwh_logo-300x177.png Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P2023-03-30 09:00:172023-04-03 21:35:59Mammograms: Do They Hurt? When to Get One, and Other FAQ

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