Breast Wellness for the New Year
The start of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to recommit to your health, with breast wellness as an essential part. Taking proactive steps to monitor and maintain your breast health empowers you to catch concerns early, when treatment has a wide variety of options. This proactive approach enables you to transition from a passive participant to an active partner in your healthcare journey.
Self-advocacy begins with education. Understanding your breast health baseline and what's normal for your body allows you to recognize changes that warrant medical attention. At New York Breast Health, we encourage you to become familiar with how your breasts look and feel through regular self-examinations. Set aside a few minutes once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends, when breast tissue is less tender, to check for any changes. While clinical screenings and mammograms remain essential, your daily awareness of your body is your first line of defense.
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Start by standing in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides.
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Look for any visible changes in size, shape, or skin texture.
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Then, raise your arms overhead and look again.
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Next, lie down and use the pads of your fingers to feel each breast in a circular pattern, covering the entire area from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Each time you perform a self-exam, you're reinforcing your commitment to yourself. Our team is here to guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have. Schedule your annual mammogram at the beginning of each year to establish a routine that you can easily remember. We offer convenient scheduling to fit your busy life. If you're over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, this annual screening is especially important.
Keep a simple health journal to note any changes you observe or questions you want to ask at your next appointment. A notebook or notes app on your phone works perfectly. When you notice something unusual or have a concern, write it down immediately. This ensures you won't forget important details when you're sitting in the exam room.
The emotional aspect of breast wellness deserves equal attention. Many women experience anxiety around breast health screenings or exams, and acknowledging these feelings is part of self-advocacy. Sharing your concerns with our team at New York Breast Health allows us to provide additional support and reassurance.
This new year, make breast wellness a non-negotiable part of your self-care routine. Whether you're scheduling your annual mammogram, performing monthly self-exams, or simply staying informed about breast health, each action demonstrates your commitment to your own well-being. The confidence you build through these efforts radiates outward, influencing how you approach challenges and make decisions in all areas of your life.