Breast care and screening saves lives

Finding breast cancer early is the main goal of routine breast care. That's why Cayuga Health strongly recommends that patients follow a plan for preventive care.

After age 40, women face an increasing risk of developing breast cancer. Men can also develop breast cancer, but at a much lower rate than women. A man’s risk of the disease rises after age 60.

Finding problems early gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Routine care can also help find other non-cancer (benign) conditions, too. Talk with your healthcare provider about your breast cancer risk to decide on the best preventive care plan for you. Cayuga Health offers a comprehensive range of imaging technology, oncology expertise and laboratory services that can detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

Self-check your breasts

The American Cancer Society says that people should get to know how their breasts normally look and feel. Doing this can help you notice any changes more easily. Changes to your breasts may include:

• Lumps
• Leaky fluid (discharge, including blood) other than breastmilk
• Swelling, especially if it affects only one breast
• Nipple problems such as nipple pain, redness, flaking, or the nipple turned inward.

See your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these changes.

Although the research is limited, current studies suggest that transgender people who have breast tissue may have a higher breast cancer risk than that of men assigned as male at birth. Regular mammograms are recommended for transgender men and women who have breast tissue.

Clinical breast exam

Your routine physical exam might include a clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider or nurse trained to check breast problems. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises:

• Between ages 25 and 39, women should be offered a clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider every 1 to 3 years.
• Men with an elevated risk for breast cancer should have an annual clinical breast exam from their healthcare provider.
• Men by age 40 with a normal risk should do a monthly breast self-exam talk along with their testicular and skin checks.
• After age 40, women should be offered a breast exam by a healthcare provider every year.

Mammogram provides early detection

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of your breasts. A mammogram can detect cancer or other problems early, even before a lump is noticeable. It can also help diagnose other breast problems. A biopsy is needed to know for sure if you have cancer.

Many organizations provide screening guidance. It’s important to work with your primary care provider to determine what’s best for your specific situation.

Mammogram screening is available at five convenient Cayuga Health locations: Cayuga Medical Center’s main campus, 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4227; 401 Cayuga Park Lane, 4^th Floor, Ithaca (607) 274-4227, East Campus, 10 Arrowwood Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4227; Cortland at, 1129 Commons Ave., (607) 274-4227 and Schuyler Hospital, 220 Steuben St., Montour Falls, (607) 535-8613.