Exams a Must for Detecting Breast Cancer

Do it in the shower. Do it while getting ready for bed. Just do it once a month.

Get familiar with your breasts. Look for lumps, changes in size, shape or feel, and to see if there is any fluid discharge.

All women should know their breasts and surrounding areas so they can be aware of changes, the American Cancer Society recommends.

“I encourage all of you to become an expert about the way your breasts look and feel so you can detect any subtle changes. After all, it’s our body, and we are the ones who have to live with whatever goes wrong with it,” said Jennie Yoon Buchanan, Medical Director of Women’s Imaging Services at Florida Hospitals.

It’s even more important that women in their 20s see a doctor for a Clinical Breast Exam every three years – and once a year after turning 40. Most doctors recommend annual mammograms for women 40 and older. Higher risk men and women should see their doctors more often.

“Many breast cancers will be found in women who never felt a lump, because on average, mammography will detect about 80 to 90 percent of the breast cancers in women without symptoms,” said Kristina Thomson, executive vice president, interim, for the American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey.

“In New York City, more than 5,100 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year,” she said.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the idea is to educate women and men and to raise money for the cure. Sometimes women are afraid to go see their doctors, but this is the time to do it.

Grab a friend and make appointments.

The American Cancer Society works closely with health departments and health care systems to provide free mammograms. Call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.

Developments in the medical field include diagnostic innovations, such as those found at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The hospital is working on more early-detection procedures that are less invasive.

“Improvements in detection, as well as insights into surgical treatment options and their outcomes, have increasingly led to longer, improved lives for women with breast cancer,” said Dr. Andrew Seidman, who practices in New York and is part of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

In Pennsylvania, experts predict 10,570 new cases of breast cancer to be diagnosed this year.

Local Screenings:

Free Breast Cancer Screening at Lower Bucks Hospital – On Oct. 9 at 9 a.m., the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation will provide mammography screenings for women with little or no medical insurance. In addition to a mammogram, women can expect to receive a clinical breast exam and important breast health information that includes an opportunity for questions and answers. Should a screening come back questionable, the foundation also will provide free follow-up care in the form of a diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound and help find care beyond this level. Call 215-564-3700 and press “1” to speak with Belda Chan, Project Coordinator.

Other Linda Creed Foundation screening dates:

Oct. 15
Aria Health- Bucks County Campus
380 North Oxford Valley Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
215-949-5000 

Oct. 22
Lower Bucks Hospital
501 Bath Road, Bristol, PA 19007
215-785-9200

Oct. 30
Aria Health- Bucks County
380 North Oxford Valley Road, Falls Township, Pennsylvania
215-564-3700

Here is a complete list of the foundation's screenings. In addition, you can call the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation at 215-564-3700 if you need a screening or have questions.

Other helpful programs:

Planned Parenthood: Offers clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography. Find a local center here.

HealthyWoman Program: Part of the PA Department of Education. Find out if you're eligible here.

United Breast Cancer Foundation: Offers free or low-cost breast screenings and follow-up care at your local hospital or facility.