Breast Cancer Awareness

Introduction

October is a powerful reminder to take care of your breast health. Early detection saves lives because breast cancer found at an early stage is far more treatable and often requires less intensive therapy. If you are due for screening or have noticed a change in your breast do not wait. You deserve timely answers and support.

Why early detection matters

Finding breast cancer early increases the chance of cure and may allow for gentler treatments. Screening looks for cancer before symptoms appear and can find changes that are too small to feel. Even if you feel well and have no symptoms screening can make a real difference.

Recognizing symptoms is important too because screening does not catch every cancer. Call your clinician if you notice any of the following

• A new lump or firm area in the breast or underarm
• Thickening swelling or a sudden change in size or shape
• Skin dimpling redness scaliness or a peau d orange look like the skin of an orange
• Nipple turning inward new discharge or a sore that does not heal
• Persistent breast pain that is new for you

What screening involves

Mammograms at a glance

A mammogram is a specialized breast x ray that can reveal tumors or tiny calcium clusters before they can be felt. The test is quick and most people describe the pressure as brief and very tolerable. Many centers now use digital breast tomosynthesis also called 3D mammography which can make small cancers easier to see especially in people with dense breasts.

Who should be screened

Talk with your clinician about when to begin screening and how often based on your risk level including age family history genetics breast density and prior biopsies. As of April 2024 national recommendations call for regular mammograms beginning at age forty for people at average risk and continuing through the early seventies. If you have a higher risk due to genetics or strong family history you may need to start earlier and add breast MRI. Your clinician can tailor a plan that fits you.

Dense breasts and follow up imaging

About half of people in their forties and fifties have dense breasts. Dense tissue is common and normal yet it can make mammograms harder to interpret and slightly raises breast cancer risk. If your result letter says you have dense breasts your clinician may discuss additional imaging such as ultrasound or MRI depending on your history and current guidelines.

Maddies message on self awareness and action

Hello my name is Maddie and I am a care advocate from Understood Care. I wanted to remind you that we are in October and it is Prevention Month for Breast Cancer. In 2024 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I myself while self analyzing found a mass in my left breast and it was indeed breast cancer. So I come to tell you that this October if you have not taken your exam that you take your time and go get your cancer test done to prevent anything further down the line. How can we at Understood Care help you We can schedule that appointment for you with your doctor. We can explain a little more about your diagnosis. We can walk with you and explain the importance of self examination and breast self awareness. Thank you

Maddie’s story is a powerful call to act now. If something feels new or different trust your instincts and reach out. Self awareness helps you notice changes between routine screenings and prompts a timely visit with your clinician.

How to check your own breasts safely

Self examination is optional and never a replacement for mammograms. If you choose to check your breasts do it about once a month and aim for the same time each month.

• Look in a mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips then with your arms raised. Watch for skin changes swelling or nipple changes
• Use the pads of three fingers to press in small circles moving around the entire breast and into the armpit light pressure then medium then firm
• Repeat while lying down with a pillow under your shoulder
• If you notice a new or persistent change call your clinician. Most changes are not cancer yet new findings deserve professional evaluation

Risk factors you can and cannot change

Some factors are part of your personal history. Others are choices and habits you can modify. A personalized plan considers both.

Things you cannot change‍

• Getting older breast cancer risk increases with age
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer especially in close relatives
• Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Dense breast tissue
• A personal history of breast conditions or previous breast cancer
• Prior chest radiation in youth or early adulthood

Things you can change‍

• Limit alcohol since regular use raises risk
• Aim for regular physical activity and a healthy weight
• Talk with your clinician about the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy
• Breastfeed if possible which may slightly lower risk
• Stay current with screening and follow up visits

What to do if you notice a change

1. Write down what you felt or saw and when it started
2. Call your primary care clinician gynecologist or breast clinic and ask for the next available appointment
3. Bring a list of your medicines prior imaging reports and family history
4. If an imaging center needs a referral your advocate can help coordinate the paperwork
5. After the visit follow every next step diagnostic mammogram ultrasound MRI or biopsy as directed
6. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed ask for an advocate to help you move forward

How Understood Care helps you take the next step

Breast health steps involve appointments imaging orders results and sometimes referrals to surgeons or oncologists. You do not need to juggle this alone.

• We schedule mammograms and follow up visits for you and send reminders so nothing is missed. Learn how we manage appointments at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments
• We coordinate referrals obtain records and keep your care team connected. See care coordination at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/care-coordination
• We help you understand results and next steps in plain language and prepare questions for your clinicians
• We explore Medicare coverage and other benefits and connect you to financial help when available. See pricing and coverage at https://understoodcare.com/pricing
• We match you with the right advocate and nurse for your needs. Meet advocates at https://understoodcare.com/advocates

You can also learn more about our approach at https://understoodcare.com/about and explore patient education at https://understoodcare.com/healthcare-info

Practical planning checklist for this month

• If you are due for screening call today or ask us to schedule for you
• If you have dense breasts ask your clinician whether you need any additional tests
• If you felt a change write it down and call for an evaluation this week
• Invite a friend or family member to schedule with you so you can support each other
• Save your imaging center contact and keep copies of your results in a safe place
• Add a yearly reminder in your calendar and consider an advocate to manage future reminders

Frequently asked questions

• ‍When should I start getting mammograms
  For people at average risk national recommendations updated in April 2024 advise regular mammograms starting at age forty and continuing through the early seventies. If you are at higher risk your clinician may start earlier and add MRI. Ask how your personal history and breast density affect timing.‍
• How often should I get a mammogram
  Most people at average risk have mammograms every one to two years depending on the guideline used and personal preference. Your clinician will help you choose a schedule that balances benefits and the chance of false alarms.‍
• Are mammograms painful
  Most people feel brief pressure that is uncomfortable but tolerable and it lasts only a few seconds per image. Communicate with the technologist who can adjust positioning for comfort while still getting clear pictures.‍
• What does an abnormal screening result mean
  An abnormal result does not mean you have cancer. It means the radiologist wants a closer look with additional mammogram views ultrasound MRI or sometimes a biopsy. Many callbacks turn out to be benign.‍
• What if I have dense breasts
  Dense breast tissue is common and can make mammograms harder to read while slightly increasing risk. Your result letter will state your density. Your clinician may discuss ultrasound or MRI in addition to mammography based on your risk factors.
• Do I still need screening after a mastectomy or lumpectomy
  After a lumpectomy you usually continue regular imaging of the remaining breast tissue and clinical exams. After a bilateral mastectomy routine screening mammograms are usually not needed though your team will guide you on exams and any imaging of reconstructed tissue. Follow the plan set by your oncology team.‍
• Can men get breast cancer
  Yes men can develop breast cancer although it is much less common. A painless lump nipple changes or discharge in a man should be evaluated promptly.‍
• Does Medicare cover screening mammograms
• Medicare Part B covers a one time baseline screening for people between thirty five and thirty nine and yearly screening for those forty and older. Diagnostic mammograms are covered when medically necessary. Ask your imaging center about any costs if you have not yet met your deductible.‍
• What can I do to lower my risk
  Limit alcohol move your body regularly maintain a healthy weight discuss the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy and keep up with screening. If you have a strong family history ask about genetic counseling.‍
• How can an advocate help me right now
  We can book your mammogram answer questions review results coordinate referrals and arrange transportation. We will walk with you from the first phone call to the last follow up. Start at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments or text us at 646 904 4027‍

References

• United States Preventive Services Task Force Final Recommendation Statement Screening for Breast Cancer April 30 2024 https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening USPSTF
• United States Preventive Services Task Force Announcement Summary of the 2024 Breast Cancer Screening Recommendation https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/announcements/final-recommendation-statement-screening-breast-cancer-0 USPSTF
• National Cancer Institute Mammograms Fact Sheet https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet National Cancer Institute
• National Cancer Institute Dense Breasts Answers to Commonly Asked Questions https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/breast-changes/dense-breasts National Cancer Institute
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Symptoms of Breast Cancer https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html CDC
• Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Symptoms and Causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470 Mayo Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Symptoms Types Causes and Treatment https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3986-breast-cancer Cleveland Clinic
• Medicare Coverage Mammograms Part B https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/mammograms medicare.gov
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services National Coverage Determination Mammograms 220.4 https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?NCDId=186 cms.gov
• National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Risk in American Women https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-fact-sheet National Cancer Institute

This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.