After October, the Care Keeps Going
When October ends, the pink ribbons come down. Storefront displays change and the walks wrap up for another year. Social media feeds move on to the next season. It can feel like the focus on breast health fades along with them. Your health doesn't follow a calendar, though. Breast health matters in March and July just as much as it does in October. At New York Breast Health, our care keeps going long after awareness month ends. Here's how to stay on top of your breast health all year.
A good place to start is your screening schedule. Many women benefit from a yearly mammogram starting at age 40. Your doctor may suggest a different plan based on your family history or past results. If your last mammogram was more than a year ago, now is a good time to book it. Choosing the same month each year can make it easier to remember. Some people pair it with a birthday or another yearly checkup. At New York Breast Health, 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI are all under one roof.
Along with screenings, it helps to know what feels normal for you. As breasts change over time with age, hormones, and weight, getting familiar with your own body makes it easier to notice when something is new. Changes worth mentioning include a new lump or thickening, a change in size or shape, skin that looks dimpled or red, or a nipple that turns inward or has discharge. While most of these changes turn out to be harmless, any new change deserves a conversation with your doctor. There's no need to wait for your next screening to bring it up.
Keeping your follow ups matters just as much. If you're asked to come back for more imaging after a mammogram, know that callbacks are common and most do not lead to a cancer diagnosis. A follow up gives your radiologist a clearer look at something they want to understand better. When your doctor recommends an ultrasound or a check in six months, try to schedule it before you leave the office. Booking early makes the visit easier to keep once the holidays get busy. When you return, you’ll be seen by a team that already knows your history. Our breast radiologists, breast surgeons, and oncologists work closely together, sharing your results and next steps with one another. You won’t be left wondering what comes next.
If you've finished breast cancer treatment, October may have brought up a lot of feelings. Now that the month has passed, you might wonder where all that support went. At New York Breast Health, ours continues long after your final treatment. Survivorship care includes regular imaging and visits with the specialists who know your history. Alongside those visits, our team can help you find support for the physical and emotional changes that can come after treatment. Questions about recovery, energy, or worry are welcome at any point, because life after treatment is still part of your care.
Breast health is a year round commitment. You might be due for a screening, keeping an eye on a change, or settling into life after treatment. Wherever you are, our team is with you for every stage.