Breast Cancer

What is breast cancer?

 

Are there symptoms?

Cancer is when cell growth goes wrong. Abnormal cells grow and invade healthy cells in the body, and old or damaged cells don’t die when they should. These cells build up to form a mass of tissue called a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign means non-cancerous; malignant means cancerous. Breast cancer is when malignant tumors grow in the breast. These cells may break away and spread throughout the rest of the body. This is called metastasis. 

There are many signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean that you have breast cancer. If you notice changes in how your breasts or nipples look or feel, or if you find a lump, call your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, we can help you find one. Call us at 866-833-5717. You can also look online at coaccess.com.

Getting a clinical exam from your doctor at your yearly checkup may help find breast cancer early. This can help with treatment. You should also talk to your doctor about your family history and personal history. Your doctor will help determine what is best for you.

 

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture that can be used to check for breast cancer in women who may or may not have signs or symptoms.

 

 

Who should get a mammogram?

It’s recommended that women ages 50 to 74 to get a mammogram every one to two years. But every person is different, so talk to your doctor about the right screening plan for you. For more information on breast cancer and screening, click here, here, and here.

 

How is a mammogram done?

During a mammogram, an X-ray technician will place your breasts, one at a time, on an X-ray machine. The machine will flatten your breasts to make it easier to get a clear picture. You will feel some pressure for a few seconds. A mammogram may take up to 20 minutes

 

 

Should I be concerned about the radiation from a mammogram?

 

How do I prepare for a mammogram?

No, the amount of radiation during a mammogram is very small.

 

You should check with the mammogram facility for information about how to prepare.

 

Some helpful tips:

  • Schedule your mammogram when your breasts aren’t tender or swollen. If you have menstrual periods, the week before is the best time. This will help you get better pictures and means that your mammogram will be more comfortable.

  • If you have breast implants, let the facility know when you make your appointment.

  • Wear a skirt or pants, rather than a dress. Then you will only have to undress from the waist up.

  • Don’t wear deodorant or perfume to your mammogram. They may skew the results of your mammogram.

  • Click here for more tips.

 

What happens if my doctor finds something from the mammogram?

There are many reasons something might show up on a mammogram. The best thing you can do is follow up with your doctor to talk about your results. Your doctor can help you understand the results.

 

Be sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you. If you need help finding a doctor, call us at 855-469-7226 (toll free).