For us at the practice of Dr. Royal Benson, we know all too well the ravaging effects of this disease, and we would like nothing more than to see a cure found. Until that day comes though, we know that the cause of awareness will be an ongoing effort, and we want to see that everyone knows their risk, and knows how they can be proactive in their fight against breast cancer.

So, today we want to leave you with three all important things to remember about breast cancer. Take these with you wherever you go, and make the most of any opportunity to educate another woman about breast cancer!

1. Early detection is the key to fighting breast cancer
    - While the cancer is in a more treatable stage
    - Know what signs to look for
2. Regular screenings are the key to early detection
    - Monthly breast self-exams if you are over age 20
    - Yearly mammograms and clinical exams if you are over age 40 (or younger with certain risk factors)
3. Awareness is the key to regular screenings
    - If someone is unaware of proper screening methods or their risk factors, they wont get regular screenings
    - Use any opportunity to share the knowledge you have about breast cancer, risk factors, and proper screening methods with someone who may be unaware – It could save their life!

Today, we want to address some of those misconceptions you may have about mammography, by providing a resource of 5 things you should know about the procedure. Take these to heart, and take them to your community as well. The more women are aware of this procedure, the more women’s lives we may be able to save in the process…

1. Mammography is a simple X-Ray procedure
    - No dyes have to be injected or swallowed, the x-ray simply takes a picture of the breast, and shows any incosistencies in the breast tissue.

    - While some state X-Ray radiation as a health risk, modern mammography techniques use a minimal dosage of X-Rays – far less than you would encounter naturally from the environment over the course of a year – and the risks of this radiation are far outweighed by the benefits of the screening.

2. About 1 out of  9 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime
    - Risk increases with age, thus it is vital to have regular (yearly) mammograms above age 40.

    - Other risk factors, such as having a family history of breast cancer, could mean starting regular mammography at an earlier age. Find out more about specific risk factors here: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/RecommendationsforWomenwithHigherRisk.html

3. Mammography is vital, regardless of the size of your breasts, or the existence of implants
    - It is a common misconception that breast size, or even breast implants can increase or diminish the importance of regular mammography screening, or that it changes your risk factor – this is not so.

    - It is imperative that regular screenings no matter what size your breasts are. Even women who have had breast cancer surgery may also need to examine the remaining breast tissue for signs of the disease.

4. A positive test result does not necessarily mean cancer
    - While mammography has been shown to be nearly 80% effective in detecting breast cancer, around 4 out of every 5 lumps found in the breast are not cancer, but are benign.

    - Further testing, such as MRI testing, needle aspiration, or a biopsy may be required to confirm or deny any suspicions of cancer.

5. Mammography is most effective in conjunction with other screening procedures
    - Even if mammography is a regular part of your routine healthcare, this should not replace monthly breast self-exams, clinical exams, and regular checkups with your doctor.

    - Always consult your physician if you detect a lump, or need to know more about your screening options.

Clearly, mammography is an effective technique for screening for breast cancer, and the benefits far outweigh any minor risks. If you’ve had misconceptions about mammography, we hope you’ll come to this very conclusion for yourself.

Dr. Benson is a board certified physician who specializes in all areas of women’s health, cares deeply for the well-being of his patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Benson, or simply to find out more about his services, call his office today: 979-776-1660.

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Here are 5 things you should know and remember as you conduct your own breast self-exams:

1. Perform exams every month on a consistent schedule
   - A good time is after menstruation each month, or if you are pregnant or do not menstruate, set a consistent time each month to perform a self-check.
2. Conduct the test in good light
   - Some symptoms exhibit various visible clues, including dimpling, or changes in skin color. Use a mirror and make sure there is good light when you conduct your self-exams.
3. Look for signs in various positions
   - Different positions can reveal certain symptoms. First sit or stand in front of the mirror with your arms straight down by your side. Then look for signs with your hands firmly on your hips, then again with your hands raised high.

   - Once you begin to examine the breast tissue, do so by lying on your back with one arm over your head. Use your free hand to examine the opposite breast (i.e. right hand – left breast), then switch after you have finished.

4. Apply gentle pressure in a circular motion to examine the breast tissue
   - Starting at the top of the breast, and keeping your fingers flat and together, apply gentle pressure and move around the outside of the breast in a large circle.

   - Once you’ve returned to the top of the breast, move your fingers closer to the center of the breast, and repeat the process using increasingly smaller circles until the whole of the breast tissue has been examined.

   - Use the same process to examine the nipple areas as well. Gently squeeze the nipple also, to check for any discharge.

5. Self-Exams should not take the place of Mammography
   - While the self-exam is a good way to detect lumps or other changes in the breasts, mammography can detect growths which are too small to be felt by you or your doctor.

   - Mammography has also proven to be nearly 80% effective in detecting breast cancer, and together with self-exams and regular clinical screenings, you can rest assured you are doing all you can to detect the disease in its earliest, most treatable stage.