CLEARFIELD – In the fall, news sources are filled with public service announcements stressing the importance of breast self exam in detecting cancer. Are women getting the message?
“I believe so,” states Sandra Stom, RN, BSN, Case Manager and Breast Health Navigator for DRMC’s Breast Care Services department. “Most of our patients discovered abnormalities in their breasts on their own. Without breast self exam, they might not have sought treatment as quickly and may have reduced chances for a successful outcome,” Stom states. Still there are those women who do not understand the importance of breast self exam, or who haven’t been shown how. Stom states these women are putting themselves at risk.
“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, after lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer is very treatable if found early and survival rates are at an all-time high. There are many women who could have been saved if they had just performed breast self exams and followed guidelines for mammographic and clinical breast exam screenings,” said Storm.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women in their 20s should begin to be informed about the benefits and limitations of breast self exam. Women should be aware of how their breasts normally feel and report any new breast changes to their health care providers as soon as they are found. Finding a breast change does not means that a cancer is present. 80% of the lumps found in women’s breasts are benign (non-cancerous). “The lump could be benign or be another breast concern that isn’t life-threatening. The important thing is for women to seek medical attention to determine that,” Stom states.
The best time for a woman to examine her breasts is when the breasts are not tender or swollen; this normally occurs after the menstrual cycle. It’s important to examine breasts the same time each month.
Women who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have breast implants, can also examine their breasts regularly. Women who examine their breasts can have their technique reviewed during their periodic health examinations by their health care professional.
Stom recommends the MammaCare Method. This method was developed by the University of Florida and funded by the National cancer Institute and is not known to be the most systematic and efficient method of examining breast tissue.
Women who are unsure if they are performing breast self exams correctly may make an appointment with Stom by calling (814) 375-4063 and she will review technique. Patient literature is also available. Stom is also available to teach the technique to women’s groups and to talk about breast health.
Stom recommends that women practice the American Cancer Society’s ABC’s of Breast Health so you can enjoy your good health without worry.
A. Annual Mammogram starting at age 40 and continue as long as you are in good health.
B. Breast Self Exam – monthly so you become familiar with your breasts and notice any changes and report them to your doctor without delay.
C. Clinical Breast Exam – have one every year by your clinician if you are 40 or older, every three years if you are in your 20s and 30s.
Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or breast MRI), or having more frequent exams.
DRMC’s breast Care Services is committed to providing comprehensive care to women with an emphasis on early detection.
The Women’s Health Task Force meets the first Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be Dec. 6, noon, at Daniel’s Fine Dining, 237 E. Market Street in Clearfield and all interested persons are invited to attend.