1. Get a base line at 35 if you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in the family and then every year after 40.  Make sure the facility has their proper accreditation with AART and that the tech has her personal mammography accreditation. Women should not be intimidated to ask questions about the qualifications of their health care providers. Also, they should ask how many mammograms are done each month (at least 100) and if they have yearly quality assurance maintenance on the equipment.

2.  Do a self-breast exam every month. The purpose of self-breast exam is to become so familiar with your own tissue that you notice a change. It is not to determine the difference between a malignant (cancer) and a benign (non cancer) lump.

 3. Vitamin E is good for breast health.

4. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer: a palpable (can feel it) lump. It can be soft, hard fixed or movable. Not sure, see your physician. Prominent veins, (cancer needs a blood supply), palpable lymph nodes in the armpit, an orange peal looking rash, scaly skin around the nipple, the nipple is retracted, one breast is significantly larger than the other.

5.  Risk factors: A previous cancer, especially ovarian or colon. Early onset of mensus’, before the age of 10 and a late menopause after the age of 50, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Obesity, estrogen is stored in the adipose tissue and 50% of breast cancer is fed by estrogen) more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day, nulliparity (not having any children) or having children early (18 or younger) or later (after 35), some ethnic groups like Ashkenazi Jews, also remember you get one half of your genes from your father so if his mother, aunt, or grandmother has had breast cancer, you are at risk, longer than 5 years on Premarin HRT, previous chest radiation.

6.  Always write down your questions when you see your physician, bring a friend to be your scribe so you can listen, don’t be intimidated to ask questions. Make sure you understand your options and if you feel uncomfortable, get a second opinion or a third or fourth, it is your right.

7.  Sometimes after a mammogram the radiologist will want more views, magnification views or they might want an ultrasound to rule out a fluid filled cyst vs. a solid lump. Don’t panic, this is common. Don’t wear deodorant the day of the procedure and take a Motrin before you go (if it is not contraindicated). Remember a few minutes of discomfort once a year, is worth your life. Wear a comfortable 2-piece outfit and a supportive bra.

Author: Barbara A. Pearson, R.N.

Oncology certified RN with certification in Mamma Care self breast exam and certification in breast health.