Mammography: 4 facts to know Confused about mammograms? It’s no surprise. With all the contradictory information out there, you may wonder when you need a mammogram—or even if you do. Take a deep breath. Here are four key facts about these breast x-rays you can trust. 1. Mammograms are still No. 1 for early detection. They may spot a tumor up to three years before it’s big enough to feel. Treatment is more likely to be a success when breast cancer is caught early. This doesn’t mean mammograms are perfect. They may miss some cancers or cause false alarms. But all medical tests have limitations. 2. You have a choice about when to be screened. The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests these mammogram guidelines: ● At age 40: You may choose to get yearly mammograms. ● At age 45: Get yearly mammograms. ● At age 55: You may continue with yearly mammograms or choose to get one every other year. Talk with your doctor about what’s best for you. And remember: Your preferences matter. 3. You probably don’t need the extra protection of an MRI. The ACS advises women at high risk for breast cancer—for example, those with certain genetic mutations—to get an MRI plus a mammogram. But for women at average risk, MRIs aren’t necessary. 4. Most callbacks aren’t cancer. If doctors see something suspicious on your mammogram, they’ll ask you to return for a repeat x-ray or other tests. Try not to be alarmed. According to the ACS, about half of the women getting annual mammograms over a 10-year period will have a false-positive finding at some point. What to know about breast lumps Not all lumps are cancerous If you discover a lump in your breast, what’s the first thing you should do? Just breathe—and keep this in mind: Breast lumps are quite common, and most of them are noncancerous (benign). Still, just to be sure, the second thing to do is see your health care provider. They can explore all the possibilities of what’s causing your lump and hopefully put your mind at ease. Breast lump basics A variety of natural hormonal changes—including menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause—can cause lumpy breasts. So can having an infection, being overweight, breastfeeding and taking birth control pills. Breast lumps can also result from a number of benign conditions, such as the following: Adenosis. In this condition, the milk-producing glands of the breast, called lobules, become enlarged. Cysts. Tender lumps filled with fluid, they are typically round and movable and might be more noticeable just before your period. Fat necrosis. Round and hard, these lumps form when fatty tissue in the breast turns hard. This condition is mostly seen in very overweight women or those who’ve had a breast injury. Breast surgery or radiation treatment to the breast can also cause fat necrosis. Fibroadenomas. Marble-like, these round, small lumps can be moved around in your breast. They are usually firm or rubbery and are common in younger women. Fibrocystic breast changes. These can cause tissue in the breast to feel lumpy or rubbery. Get it checked out Again, chances are that any breast lump you discover is not cancer. But it’s always good to find out for sure. Another reason to see your health care provider is that there are treatments for painful benign lumps, which your provider can recommend. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Cancer Society; Radiological Society of North America MAKING AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR NEXT MAMMOGRAM ONLY TAKES A MINUTE. Annual screenings for women ages 40 and over are covered by your Kern Legacy Health Plan at no cost to you. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card for a list of contracted providers. October
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