If not, there’s no need to panic. Now’s always the best time to look up screening centers in your area and ask them about a mammography. The best way to fight cancer is to spot it early and act as soon as possible. Today it’s estimated one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Gauge your chances and adjust accordingly with the aid of a caring nurse that can provide you the very best in preventative care.

Here’s what you should know about breast cancer, from common warning signs to the options at your disposal.

Today’s Breast Cancer Statistics

Even if you aren’t at risk for breast cancer, you likely know someone who is. This form of cancer is extremely common and is only expected to get more so over the coming years. Breast biopsy results are the best way to determine where an individual’s future will turn. A recent study found 22 out of 10,000 women between the ages of 50 and 55 will be diagnosed with breast cancer within the next year. The warning signs can be overt or subtle.

Common Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer

You might have seen diagrams providing simple visuals on testing yourself for breast cancer. This can be done at home by lifting your arms and studying for any visual signs, such as discoloration. Feeling for lumps is done through touching the breast and underarm area, as breast cancer signs can be located in related areas. Some signs, however, are invisible and require the aid of a breast screening. Your breast biopsy results could be your best shot at recovery should you come back positive.

Risk Factors And Future Predictions

Some women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than others. Compared to women without a family history the risk of breast cancer is two times higher. Of all the age groups it’s been found women between 60 and 70 are most likely to avoid death by breast cancer with a mammogram screening. Women who get regular physical activity have between a 10% and 20% chance of avoiding breast cancer compared to more sedentary women. Even if you have a low risk, it never hurts to be careful.

The Function Of A Mammography

A breast cancer screening is a reliable way of assessing your health and giving you either peace-of-mind or a reliable prediction. For women who have an average risk of breast cancer the American Cancer Society recommends those 40 years or older begin their annual mammography. Studies have shown regular mammographies reduce the risk of dying by breast cancer by as high as 40%. Just like any other form of long-term healthcare, the earlier, the better. A 2015 National Health Interview Survey found half of all women 40 years of age or older reported having a mammogram within the past year.

Questions To Ask Your Breast Specialist

Sitting down with your healthcare specialist can take just an hour or two. The effects, however, can potentially last you a lifetime. Bring your family history, past medical history, and any other information that could help them get a bigger picture on your risk factors. Alongside a genetic history and age, postmenopausal breast cancer risk is as much as two times higher in overweight women and obese women than lean women. Your breast biopsy results aren’t the end of the road, but they’re a fantastic first step.

Stay healthy and stay safe. Reach out to a mammogram specialist and set up an appointment this month.

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