Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized in October of every year.

Breast cancer occurs when malignant tumors develop in the breast. These cells can spread by breaking away from the original tumor and entering blood vessels or lymph vessels, branching into tissues throughout the body. Different types of breast cancer are determined by the specific cells in the breast that become cancerous.

It is estimated that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate is 99% when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage.

Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years. It is estimated that there are close to 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Early detection includes doing monthly self-breast exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

A clinical breast examination is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize different types of abnormalities and warning signs. Your primary care provider or gynecologist will most likely complete this in-office assessment at your annual exam.

A mammogram is an x-ray that examines the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. For most women, mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before the cancer is large enough to feel or cause symptoms. Mammograms can also show tiny clusters of calcium called micro-calcifications. Lumps or specks can be caused by cancer, fatty cells, or other conditions like cysts. Further tests are needed to find out if abnormal cells are present.

Women 40 and older should have mammograms every year. Women who are younger than 40 but who have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their healthcare provider at what age and how often they should have mammograms. Even women with no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer as early as possible.

Every Woman should know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer; any time an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated by a healthcare provider. Most people who have breast cancer symptoms will initially notice only one or two of the signs:

•          Nipple tenderness

•          Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple

•          An inverted nipple

•          A sudden swelling or shrinking of the breast, especially on one side

•          Redness or swelling anywhere on the breast

•          A lump or thickening in or near the breast area or underarm area

•          A change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast (comparable to the peel of an orange)

•          A lump in the breast

The presence of any of these symptoms does not automatically mean a woman has breast cancer, which is why it is important to consult a healthcare provider.

While breast cancer can develop in women of any age or stage of life, the American Cancer Society recommends healthy living tips for women before, during, and after cancer detection and treatment. These tips include making healthy food choices, staying active, prioritizing mental health, and practicing mindfulness.

Breast cancer awareness is essential in helping women detect breast cancer in its earliest stages and helping women receive the best care and treatment options possible. Imaging Specialists is proud to offer the latest technology that gives every Woman her best chance for an early and accurate diagnosis. Our comprehensive Woman's Imaging Center is the uncontested leader in technology and an American College of Radiology mammography-accredited facility for demonstrating the highest quality patient care.

Patients can easily schedule a mammogram online at www.ImagingSC.com or call us at 843-881-4020.