I wanted to share about something we don’t often talk about around here. I like to keep it all jolly most of the time, but when Scottsdale reached out to me asking to sponsor my site with this piece that they wrote, I couldn’t say no. This something I don’t love talking about…but we all need to think about it! I know I for one haven’t been to the OB/GYN since my six week checkup after my daughter was born… this little nudge from Brittany was just what I needed to make that appointment Monday! Remember that neither of us are medical professionals, and to seek your doctor’s opinions first!
We are swiftly approaching the end of October, which is also the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month. I know it’s easy to get wrapped up in the days and be a bystander as time quickly passes. However, as we are all mothers, daughters, sisters and friends, we must motivate each other to take the time to maintain our health and wellbeing.
In an attempt to end the month with “Thinking Pink,” I wanted to touch on the topic of breast cancer. It is an important subject; according to the American Cancer Society, there will be more than 231,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed amongst women in the Unites States during 2015.
Since the best way to combat breast cancer is with early detection, breast self-exams, annual check-up and mammograms are critical in the fight against breast cancer. Here are some health terms we should all understand:
Self-Exam: Learn how to perform regular self-exams. While some cancers are too tiny to feel, and most lumps are not cancer, self-exams are a proactive way to help take care of yourself.
Clinical Exam: A clinical exam is a breast exam performed by a health care professional. It’s a basic part of women’s check-ups, starting at age 20.
Mammogram: This is a special type of X-ray taken to look for abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue. It’s a key tool in breast cancer detection, though no test is perfect.
MRI: MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and is often used to detect breast cancer.
Ultrasound: Doctors sometimes use ultrasound images to determine more details of a lump.
Biopsy: When doctors perform a biopsy, they remove cells from a suspicious mass to see if it’s cancer.
Breast Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction is a series of surgical procedures performed to recreate a breast. Reconstructions are commonly done after one or both breasts are removed as a treatment for breast cancer. Advanced options for breast augmentation and reconstruction in Scottsdale can be a great decision for breast cancer survivors.
Remember, if you have any medical concerns, you should talk to a trusted health professional immediately.
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