Breast health begins with you. It’s so important to stay on top of knowledge about your personal breast cancer risk factors, early detection through regular mammograms, and ongoing communication with your healthcare provider.
Breast Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms starting at the age of 40. Women who are at an increased risk for breast cancer, such as those who have a family history of the disease, a genetic mutation or women of African American descent, should begin screening sooner.
Routine screening mammograms are important for many reasons. For women, establishing a normal expectation for your breast imaging will help when breast changes occur, as you and your healthcare provider will have a point of comparison. Additionally, early detection is critical for the successful treatment of breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the better the chance of successful treatment.
At UC Health, we value your time and know that convenience can make the difference between getting a mammogram or putting it off. That’s why we offer breast imaging services at multiple UC Health facilities–we even provide mammograms on our mobile mammography van! View our locations here or call 513-584-PINK to schedule your mammogram.
Breast Health Awareness for Women Under 40
Taking care of your breast health is an essential part of your overall well-being. While regular self-exams are no longer considered the standard method for detecting breast cancer, being breast-aware and about changes in your breasts is still incredibly important. Here’s how you can maintain breast awareness and monitor for any changes, outside of your annual gynecology appointments:
- Consistency: Perform a self-breast exam at the same time each month, ideally a week after your period ends if applicable.
- Visual inspection: Use a mirror to check for any changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture, and inspect for nipple or areola abnormalities.
- Finger pads: Use the pads of your three middle fingers to feel for lumps or abnormalities, keeping your fingers flat and close together.
- Systematic approach: Start from the outer part of your breast and move inwards using a circular or up-and-down motion to cover the entire breast.
- Report changes: If you detect any unusual lumps or changes, consult your gynecology provider for further evaluation.
Risk factors that lead to developing breast cancer
The identified risk factor categories relate to hormone history, family history and lifestyle factors–learn more here.