Breast health
- Mammography
This is a very reliable method of early detection of breast cancer. The first routine mammogram is ordered at 35 years of age. In the office we assess the patient and her family's medical histories to determine the most appropriate screening program. Sometimes both mammography and breast ultrasound are used in a complementary way depending on each individual case.
- Breast self-exam
During the annual gynecological exam we do a very thorough breast exam, and order a mammogram or breast ultrasound if necessary. We recommend that women perform a monthly breast exam in between annuals. We provide guidelines as to how this is done.
- Fibrocystic breast changes
Fibrocystic breast changes are very common, affecting about 85% of women. It is a benign condition, and is not associated with breast cancer. In the office we show our patients how to examine their own breasts adequately so they are not alarmed unnecessarily by every finding, but can recognize which types of lumps may require medical attention. We provide dietary guidelines and prescribe appropriate natural remedies for relief of the symptoms of fibrocystic breast condition.
- Breast cancer
According to surveys amongst women, this is the illness they fear most. However mortality has dropped dramatically in the last decade. When the tumor is detected early and is localized to the breast tissue, the rate of cure is 95%. These days women are much more aware of the need to perform breast self-exams, and seek medical attention when appropriate. Intensive research continues to develop new forms of early detection to complement mamograms and breast ultrasound exams, as well as more effective treatments once the diagnosis is made.
There are very successful oncological treatments for this pathology, as well as important new findings in the areas of genetics, chemotherapy and biological therapy that are all progressively improving the prognosis for breast cancer patients. The role of the gynecologist is to detect breast cancer when it occurs and ensure rapid and appropriate therapy.
