A Breast Exam Should Be on Your Spring Checklist
Spring is a time for fresh starts, so why not add breast health to your renewal routine? Taking care of your breasts is an important step for your long-term well-being, but it’s easy to delay.
Breast exams, whether you do them yourself at home or have a healthcare provider perform them, are some of the best ways to catch problems early. Early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes. During a clinical exam, our providers at New York Breast Health look for lumps, changes in shape or size, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or other signs that might need a closer look. Even if you feel fine, these exams create a baseline that helps spot changes later on.
For many women, a yearly mammogram is an important part of that baseline. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that can find abnormalities, sometimes years before you can feel a lump. Most guidelines suggest women at average risk start annual mammograms at age 40, but your provider might recommend starting earlier based on your personal or family history. We can assure you that our screenings are quick, bringing peace of mind. If you’ve been putting it off, consider this your reminder that one appointment can keep you ahead.
Self-exams are just as important to include in your routine. Practicing a self-breast exam once a month, ideally a few days after your period when your breasts are less tender, helps you learn what’s normal for your body. Knowing this makes it easier to spot any changes. If you’re not sure how to do a self-exam, watch NY Breast Health physician, Dr. Krystal Airola, explain the process step-by-step in our breast self-exam video.
It’s also important to know that some factors can raise your risk of breast cancer, like a family history, genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, dense breast tissue, or past radiation to the chest. If any of these apply to you, your provider might suggest more frequent screenings or extra imaging. Talking with a specialist is the best way to figure out the right screening plan for you, and here at New York Breast Health, we can do just that.
Booking a breast health appointment is a small step that can make a big difference. If it’s been a while since your last breast exam or mammogram, or if you have questions about your screening options, our team at New York Breast Health is ready to help. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and take a proactive step for your health this season.