Understood Care
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Things you can change
Breast health steps involve appointments imaging orders results and sometimes referrals to surgeons or oncologists. You do not need to juggle this alone.
You can also learn more about our approach at https://understoodcare.com/about and explore patient education at https://understoodcare.com/healthcare-info
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
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