By Griffin Health Communications & Public Affairs Intern Celina Daigle
Understanding the Reward of Knowing about Your Breast Health
Many women may wonder, “Do I need a mammogram?”
The short and simple answer is yes. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that can find cysts, abnormal non-cancerous growths, and cancer. Additionally, a mammogram shows fibrocystic changes which can make the breast feel uneven, bumpy and dense, and inflammation of the breast tissue called mastitis.
Breast Cancer Risk Levels
Women are at average risk for breast cancer if they are over 40, have no family history with the disease, and they or their family members do not carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
Women may be at a high risk for breast cancer if they had radiation to the chest before the age of 30, previously had breast cancer, have dense breast tissue, have a family history of the disease, and/or received positive test results for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes typically prevent cancerous tumors from growing in breast tissue. However, sometimes genetic mutations can alter these genes and increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Women who are Ashkenazi Jewish are more likely to inherit this mutation.
A family history risk assessment provided by a doctor will more accurately determine whether the risk of developing breast cancer is average or high. It is especially important for high-risk women to self-screen and get mammograms every year to check for any signs and symptoms of breast cancer as one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Women should see their physician if they experience breast pain, thickening of breast skin, nipple discharge, and a change in breast size or shape. Regular mammography screenings are the most reliable way to find breast cancer at an early stage when there is a higher likelihood of a successful treatment and recovery process.
Do Mammograms Come with Risks?
Mammograms use a small, low-strength dose of radiation, but not enough to harm a woman during her annual mammogram. Having dense breast tissue may make cancer hard to find in mammograms, so further testing with an ultrasound or MRI may be required to provide a clear result.
Resources
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital provides an array of breast health resources and services, including breast imaging, genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Led by Medical Director Dr. Denise Barajas, the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness provides compassionate, patient-centered care, a rapid diagnostic model, and a team of board-certified radiologists to expertly care for all breast cancer concerns.
Schedule Your Mammogram Today
Call Griffin Hospital Central Scheduling at 203-732-7101 to schedule a mammogram in one of the Center’s state-of-the-art digital mammography suites. Visit griffinhealth.org/breast for more information.