What Has Breast Cancer Awareness Month Meant to You This Year?

Well friends, as the close of October draws near, unfortunately, so does Breast Cancer Awareness Month here in America. It's been a great month both locally and across the nation, and now we're anxious to find out: What has Breast Cancer Awareness Month meant to you this year? Just as we started this month, so we would like to end it by asking this very question. Is there anything that has changed this year in terms of your awareness? Will you be more proactive in the year to come? Our hope is that all of you will have made great strides in your awareness of the disease, and that you will be taking extra measures in your efforts to detect any signs of breast cancer, and educate anyone who may be unaware of just how to do that.

For us at the practice of Dr. Royal Benson, we know all too well the ravaging effects of this disease, and we would like nothing more than to see a cure found. Until that day comes though, we know that the cause of awareness will be an ongoing effort, and we want to see that everyone knows their risk, and knows how they can be proactive in their fight against breast cancer.

So, today we want to leave you with three all important things to remember about breast cancer. Take these with you wherever you go, and make the most of any opportunity to educate another woman about breast cancer!

1. Early detection is the key to fighting breast cancer
    - While the cancer is in a more treatable stage
    - Know what signs to look for
2. Regular screenings are the key to early detection
    - Monthly breast self-exams if you are over age 20
    - Yearly mammograms and clinical exams if you are over age 40 (or younger with certain risk factors)
3. Awareness is the key to regular screenings
    - If someone is unaware of proper screening methods or their risk factors, they wont get regular screenings
    - Use any opportunity to share the knowledge you have about breast cancer, risk factors, and proper screening methods with someone who may be unaware - It could save their life!

While this wraps up our blogging effort for the month of October and for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want you to know that no matter what month it is, breast cancer awareness and regular screenings is vitally important. Do your part by scheduling your regular screening today, and then continue to spread awareness throughout the coming year. You can schedule your appointment with Dr. Benson by calling: 979-776-1660

Finally, do let us know what BCAM has meant to you this year. If you have a story of any kind relating to breast cancer, share it with the community, and help reach lives for the cause.

5 Things You Should Know: Mammography

While mammography is a word we often hear, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we can't help but notice that there are still many misconceptions about this breast cancer screening technique. Our goal during the month of October is to educate as many women as possible on the topic of breast cancer. Our hope is that the more women who truly understand this disease and what it means to take preventative action, the more women will be able to share their knowledge with others in their community - giving hope to those who may be unaware, but who may be able to detect this disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Today, we want to address some of those misconceptions you may have about mammography, by providing a resource of 5 things you should know about the procedure. Take these to heart, and take them to your community as well. The more women are aware of this procedure, the more women's lives we may be able to save in the process...

1. Mammography is a simple X-Ray procedure
    - No dyes have to be injected or swallowed, the x-ray simply takes a picture of the breast, and shows any incosistencies in the breast tissue.
   
    - While some state X-Ray radiation as a health risk, modern mammography techniques use a minimal dosage of X-Rays - far less than you would encounter naturally from the environment over the course of a year - and the risks of this radiation are far outweighed by the benefits of the screening.
2. About 1 out of  9 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime
    - Risk increases with age, thus it is vital to have regular (yearly) mammograms above age 40.
   
    - Other risk factors, such as having a family history of breast cancer, could mean starting regular mammography at an earlier age. Find out more about specific risk factors here: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/RecommendationsforWomenwithHigherRisk.html
3. Mammography is vital, regardless of the size of your breasts, or the existence of implants
    - It is a common misconception that breast size, or even breast implants can increase or diminish the importance of regular mammography screening, or that it changes your risk factor - this is not so.
   
    - It is imperative that regular screenings no matter what size your breasts are. Even women who have had breast cancer surgery may also need to examine the remaining breast tissue for signs of the disease.
4. A positive test result does not necessarily mean cancer
    - While mammography has been shown to be nearly 80% effective in detecting breast cancer, around 4 out of every 5 lumps found in the breast are not cancer, but are benign.
   
    - Further testing, such as MRI testing, needle aspiration, or a biopsy may be required to confirm or deny any suspicions of cancer.
5. Mammography is most effective in conjunction with other screening procedures
    - Even if mammography is a regular part of your routine healthcare, this should not replace monthly breast self-exams, clinical exams, and regular checkups with your doctor.
   
    - Always consult your physician if you detect a lump, or need to know more about your screening options.

Clearly, mammography is an effective technique for screening for breast cancer, and the benefits far outweigh any minor risks. If you've had misconceptions about mammography, we hope you'll come to this very conclusion for yourself.

Dr. Benson is a board certified physician who specializes in all areas of women's health, cares deeply for the well-being of his patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Benson, or simply to find out more about his services, call his office today: 979-776-1660.

If you found this article to be informative, so might a friend! You can share this post through Facebook and Twitter via the links on the right, and if you've not already done so, you can follow Dr. Benson on Facebook and Twitter for consistent, informative updates as well.

5 Things You Should Know: Breast Self-Exams

Yesterday we mentioned the 8 symptoms you should look for when performing a breast self-exam between regular breast cancer screenings. But what are some things you should know about conducting a self-exam? Today we're going to explore the breast self-exam a little further, and find out some "best-practices" when looking for signs of breast cancer on your own.

Here are 5 things you should know and remember as you conduct your own breast self-exams:

1. Perform exams every month on a consistent schedule
   - A good time is after menstruation each month, or if you are pregnant or do not menstruate, set a consistent time each month to perform a self-check.
2. Conduct the test in good light
   - Some symptoms exhibit various visible clues, including dimpling, or changes in skin color. Use a mirror and make sure there is good light when you conduct your self-exams.
3. Look for signs in various positions
   - Different positions can reveal certain symptoms. First sit or stand in front of the mirror with your arms straight down by your side. Then look for signs with your hands firmly on your hips, then again with your hands raised high.
   
   - Once you begin to examine the breast tissue, do so by lying on your back with one arm over your head. Use your free hand to examine the opposite breast (i.e. right hand - left breast), then switch after you have finished.
4. Apply gentle pressure in a circular motion to examine the breast tissue
   - Starting at the top of the breast, and keeping your fingers flat and together, apply gentle pressure and move around the outside of the breast in a large circle.
   
   - Once you've returned to the top of the breast, move your fingers closer to the center of the breast, and repeat the process using increasingly smaller circles until the whole of the breast tissue has been examined.
   
   - Use the same process to examine the nipple areas as well. Gently squeeze the nipple also, to check for any discharge.
5. Self-Exams should not take the place of Mammography
   - While the self-exam is a good way to detect lumps or other changes in the breasts, mammography can detect growths which are too small to be felt by you or your doctor.
   
   - Mammography has also proven to be nearly 80% effective in detecting breast cancer, and together with self-exams and regular clinical screenings, you can rest assured you are doing all you can to detect the disease in its earliest, most treatable stage.

Remember: Breast self-exams are an important part of your monthly routine, but it is essential to continue to schedule regular screenings and clinical exams with your doctor. Early detection of breast cancer can mean the difference in successful treatment of the disease. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Benson today, and leave nothing to chance: (979) 776-1660

Do you have a breast cancer story? Share it with our community, and help educate others on the importance of preventing and finding a cure for this disease. Your story will touch lives, and could be the spark someone needs to get involved with the cause. Share your story here, or on our Facebook Page today.

8 Breast Cancer Warning Signs to Look for Between Regular Screenings

Breast cancer will be diagnosed in nearly a quarter of a million women this year in the United States alone. In each of these cases, the best chance at successful treatment of this disease comes when the detection has been made early. With over a 78% sensitivity rate, regular mammography screening is your best chance at early detection, but are there signs and symptoms you can keep an eye out for between screenings? As a matter of fact there are!

Performing regular self exams between screenings is always a good idea. Here are a few things you should look out for as you are conducting your examination:

• Lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area 
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast 
• Change in the size or shape of the breast 
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin 
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple 
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast 
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly 
• New pain in one spot that does not go away 

While all of these symptoms may not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, it is a good idea and a safe choice to see your health care provider immediately should you notice any of these changes. Remember that breast cancer is most treatable when it is detected in an early stage, so perform regular self-examinations, look for these symptoms or changes in your breasts, and schedule regular clinical exams with your doctor according to this rule of thumb:

For Women of Average Risk:

• Mammography should be conducted every year beginning at age 40. 
• Clinical Breast Exams should be conducted at least every 3 years from ages 20-39, then every year beginning at age 40. 

For Women of Above Average Risk:
Learn more about risk factors that may put you at a higher risk, as well as recommendations for screening.

Dr. Benson is a Board Certified Physician specializing in virtually every area of women's health. Call him today to schedule your Mammogram, Clinical Breast Exam, or Annual Exam if you haven't done so already: (979)-776-1660

Have a story of how breast cancer has affected you or someone you know? Feel free to share it with our community here on this blog, or visit Dr. Benson's Facebook Page to leave your comment, and help reach our community for the cause of finding a cure.

Kicking Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October 2011

While it's certainly been a while now since we shared anything here on the blog, we simply couldn't imagine a better time to rekindle the blogging flame than during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or BCAM, happening each October, it truly is one of the most important opportunities we have to promote women's health and wellness, and to help spread awareness around the cause of finding a cure for breast cancer.

This year, we want to take every advantage of the local and national support of BCAM, and through social media outlets, such as this blog and our Facebook page, we aim to reach as many folks as possible throughout the month of October. We'll be posting regular updates here on our blog, so check back often for information you should know about breast cancer, tips for early detection, ways you can get involved in the fight, and so much more. We are also encouraging everyone to Share Your Story over on our Facebook page, so that the entire community there might be educated and so compelled to join in the cause.

We are also encouraging every woman who hasn't yet scheduled her annual checkup this year, to do so as soon as possible. Early detection is the key to battling breast cancer, and you may not always be able to feel when something is wrong, simply by doing a self check. Mammography is highly encouraged to confirm any speculations or warning signs. If you feel you may be at risk - DO NOT HESITATE. Your swift action is no small measure in the fight against breast cancer.

Call our office today to schedule your appointment to see Dr. Benson this month: 979-776-1660.

Happy October everyone, and thanks for stopping by! Check back often for updates, and leave your comments and questions anytime. If you have a question regarding a medical issue, please call our office, and we'll be happy to assist you in whatever way we can.

Dr. Royal Benson

P.S - When you stop into our office during the month of October (even if you're just dropping by to say hi), you'll be given a FREE pink Breast Cancer Awareness Month wristband. Show your support by wearing these everywhere you go, and spread the word to help fight breast cancer!