Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center > Healthy Breast Care

There is no better way to fight breast cancer than to detect the disease in its earliest stages.  That's why regular mammograms and risk assessments are so important.  Early detection saves lives.  In turn, the key to early detection is awareness.  Women who never think about getting checked or who do not understand the risks of breast cancer are far less likely to discover the disease in its earliest and most treatable stages.

 

When to start Screenings? 

The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center encourages women to follow the American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer detection.

Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, at least every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.

Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.

Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.

For more information click on the following link, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-detection

 

The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center specializes in proactive breast care, risk-reduction techniques and early detection and treatment providing the finest breast care around to the women of our community.  Our experienced and compassionate staff is available to answer questions and assist with scheduling your next appointment.

 

Resources & Related Links:

General Information:

American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

American Society of Clinical Oncology, www.cancer.net

Breast Cancer Network of Strength, www.networkofstrength.org

National Cancer Institute, www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, www.komen.org

Susan Love Research Foundation, www.dslrf.org

The Wellness Community, www.twccaz.org

 

Survivorship:

Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), www.livestrong.org

Young Survival Coalition- Young women facing breast cancer together, www.youngsurvival.org

Cancer Support Community, A Global Network of Education and Hope, www.gildasclub.org

 

Symptom Management:

Cancer Symptoms from the Oncology Nursing Society- The Cancer Journey, www.thecancerjourney.org

Fertile Hope, www.fertilehope.org

Look Good…Feel Better, www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org

NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, www.niams.nih.gov/bone