Why You Should Not Put Off Your Annual Mammogram
We all know life gets busy. Appointments are easy to postpone or cancel, especially when you feel healthy and have no concerns. But that is precisely why routine breast cancer screening is so important. A mammogram is designed to identify changes in the breast that may be too small to feel and may not cause any symptoms at all.
Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS, Director of the Breast Program at the Cancer Center of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton) and Surgical Oncologist at RWJUH Hamilton and Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center together with RWJBarnabas Health, shares an important message for women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a simple one, don’t put off your annual mammogram.
Annual Screening Matters
Breast cancer does not always announce itself. You may not have a lump. You may not have pain. You may not notice any difference in your breasts. But a screening mammogram can identify abnormalities before they become noticeable.
For women at average risk, breast cancer screening guidelines recommend beginning annual mammograms at age 40. However, there is no one-size-fits-all screening plan. Your age, family history, genetics, personal medical history and other risk factors like lifestyle may influence when you should begin screening and how frequently you should be screened. If you are unsure, speak with your primary care provider or OB/Gyn.
Know your risk and know your breasts
“I encourage women to understand their individual breast cancer risk,” says Dr. Eladoumikdachi. “If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, a known genetic mutation, or other factors that may increase your risk.” It is always best to ask your physician when you should begin screening or if there is a need for additional screening.
And while mammograms are an important part of early detection, women should pay attention to changes in their breasts. A new lump, nipple discharge, skin changes, changes in size or shape, or another unusual change should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider.
Make this October the month you act
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to do more than wear pink. It is a reminder to take care of yourself and encourage the women you love to do the same. Grab a friend or a loved one and schedule your mammogram together.
“As a breast oncologist, I know that early detection makes a difference,” adds Dr. Eladoumikdachi. “Don’t wait for a symptom to bring you to see a physician. Make your breast health a priority and schedule an annual screening. Scheduling a mammogram at RWJUH Hamilton is easy.”
To schedule a mammogram, call the hospital’s Women’s Center at 609-631-6832 and press “3” to schedule an appointment. The Women’s Center at RWJUH Hamilton is in the Outpatient Building, #5.
The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute provides patients access to the most advanced cancer treatments including clinical trials, cellular therapies, complex surgical procedures and sophisticated radiation therapy techniques.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/mammo