Now I also support and encourage self breast exam, clinical exams and mammograms. 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime and younger women experience more aggressive breast cancers. Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Due to the fact that screening programs have become more common and more cases of breast cancer are being found earlier that lends to getting better outcomes. The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely and that once is not enough.
I encourage all to be pro-active in your health. Learn your family history and talk to your provider about your personal risk (including men). Get screened and know your own body and what is normal for you. It is important to start breast self exam early and have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20 and mammograms every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk but, if higher risk talk to your doctor about what is right for you and some instances there may be ultrasound or MRI as well.
At the Women's Care Center at Meadville Medical Center, we have the cadillac of mammography as we use digital mammography which gives the radiologist more information and less radiation and makes exams quicker for the patient. We also have Ultrasound, Bone Density and Breast Biopsy including Stereotactic biopsy which uses geometry to localize the area in the breast for needle biopsy.
And here at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institue, we are a state of the art comprehensive cancer treatment facility that was built in 2008 and we are already busting at the seams. Starting in August we will add another medical oncologist to our team. Our facility provides a way fo caring for patients that is unique and comfortable in a very caring atmosphere with a multi-disciplinary team. There is state of the art diagnostic testing with CT for simiulations and non-diagnostic and PET. We also have Trilogy Stereotatic System providing leading image guided radiotherapy.
My job to you then as a clinical nurse breast health educator is to help you through your journey in any and all ways and hope to make the day as great as it can be. I am here for you if and when you need me. S