Vital Stats
Your connection to quality healthcare informationBreast Cancer Awareness
By: Cynthia Johnson, Radiology Administrator of Marion County Medical Center
Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. Since the 1960’s breast cancer incidence in women has increased from one in 20 to one in eight. This disease affects women all over the world of all ages, races and cultures. Mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, cousins and friends-- almost everyone knows someone who has been effected by this silent and deadly disease.
Although scientists have yet to discover a way to prevent breast cancer from developing, the best thing to do to help protect yourself and your loved ones is staying informed and proactive. It is very important for women get regular exams by their physician, as well as regularly checking themselves for any abnormalities. The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
• Swelling of part of the breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• A nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• A lump in the underarm area
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• A nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• A lump in the underarm area
While the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown at this point, doctors and researchers know that certain factors can increase a women’s risk. The biggest factor that can increase your risk of developing breast cancer is age. Most cases occur in women over the age of 50 and women over 60 are at the highest risk. Other factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer include:
• Heredity
• Early puberty
• Late childbearing
• Obesity
• Lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking habits and alcohol consumption)
Most physicians conduct regular mammograms once a woman has reached the age of 40. It has been estimated that a mammogram may find breast cancer as much as two years before it can be felt. There are two types of mammograms:• Early puberty
• Late childbearing
• Obesity
• Lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking habits and alcohol consumption)
• A screening mammogram is ordered for women who have no problems with their breasts. It consists of two x-ray views of each breast.
• A diagnostic mammogram is for evaluation of new abnormalities or of patients with a past abnormality, requiring follow-up.
• A diagnostic mammogram is for evaluation of new abnormalities or of patients with a past abnormality, requiring follow-up.
If after consulting a physician, if there is reason for concern, tests will be ran to determine what the abnormalities are and if they are potentially hazardous to your health. If it is breast cancer, there are different stages and once your physician determines which stage you are in, then treatment options will be discussed.
The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Marion County Medical Center offers Digital Mammography in which x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals. This technology provides image transmission with easier retrieval and storage options that help detect and possibly reveal subtle variations between breast tissue and tumors.
Early detection is the best way to be proactive against breast cancer. Make an appointment with your physician today for a screening.
Vital Stats is a weekly health column provided by the doctors and staff of Marion County Medical Center.
Recognized statewide for its community health initiatives, Marion County Medical Center was recently selected as one of South Carolina’s host sites for the GE Women’s Health & Wellness Tour. Located on Highway 76 – between Marion and Mullins, Marion County Medical Center provides the best in medical technology and is home to some of the area’s most advanced medical equipment. For more information call 843-431-2000.
