When it comes to Breast Cancer Awareness, it’s crucial to educate women about the importance of regular breast exams. Breast cancer is typically detected during yearly breast screenings or monthly self-exams. While there’s no known cure for breast cancer, early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, at least 40% of breast cancer cases are detected by women performing self-examinations at home.
Clinical Exams and Mammograms
Doctors recommend that all women over the age of 40 receive yearly mammograms. Yearly mammograms allow doctors to monitor the breast tissue, keep records, and compare screenings to detect changes in breast material before a lump forms. Mammograms find both benign and malignant lumps in the breast tissue, and detect 85-90% of all breast cancers. Mammograms also increase early detection of breast cancer, which increases the survival rate to 95% over a five year span. Women between the ages of 20 and 30 do not need to have yearly mammograms, but it’s recommended that they receive clinical breast exams during their yearly physicals.
Breast Self-Exam
Although mammograms are important for breast health, two-fifths of breast cancer cases are detected by women performing breast examinations. Breast self-exams are recommended for all women, regardless of age. Self-exams are easily performed in the shower, lying down, or in front of a mirror. Feel your breasts for:
Lumps or swelling
Hardness or thickness
Changes in the feeling or appearance of breast tissue
Dimpled skin
Perform your monthly exam at the same time during your menstrual cycle (typically several days after finishing your period) to avoid inconsistent breast tenderness or swelling. To learn how to perform an effective home examination, read a step by step guide on breast self-exams and general breast health.
To learn more about breast health, breast cancer treatment, and breast reconstruction, call Jim N. Brantner MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Johnson City, TN.
October 1st marks the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, a yearly effort to raise awareness about breast cancer, earn funds for a cure, and educate men and women about the disease. Each year over 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer; more than 40,000 die from the disease annually. Roughly 1 in 8 women will suffer from breast cancer in their lifetime. Although men are less likely to develop breast cancer, around 2,000 are diagnosed each year. Raising awareness about breast cancer, early detection, and yearly mammograms can save thousands of lives every year.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Although there is no known cure to breast cancer, early detection significantly increases a patient’s chances of surviving the disease. Early symptoms may include:
A lump in the breast tissue or armpit
Irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin
Swelling of part of the breast
Pain in breast tissue or the nipples
Nipple discharge (pus, blood, etc)
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Raising Awareness about Breast Cancer
Think pink.
Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer never display symptoms. Women with breast cancer often lack proper education about their options. Advocates for breast cancer awareness have dedicated themselves to providing support, education, and fundraising efforts for women suffering from breast cancer by:
Providing physical and emotional support for women with breast cancer
Raising funds that could lead to a permanent cure for breast cancer
Educating women about the necessity of yearly mammograms after age 50
One way to raise awareness about breast cancer is to wear the pink ribbon this October. Supporters can also participate in races, fundraisers, and volunteer programs in Johnson City to help raise awareness about breast cancer. To learn more about breast cancer awareness, mastectomy surgery, and breast reconstruction, contact Dr. Brantner’s office.
Plastic surgery helps patients rejuvenate their appearance, leading to healthier bodies and more youthful looks. Surgery can solve many issues caused by age or unhealthy living, but patients must follow their doctor’s recommended health plan for the best results. Failure to prepare for surgery and recovery might mean surgical complications, trouble healing, or poor results.
Medical History
Prepare for your pre-operative paperwork and surgical consultation by knowing your medical history. Share the following information with Dr. Brantner and his nurses:
Allergies to food, medication, and medical supplies (such as tape or latex gloves)
Current vitamins and medications
Alcoholic units consumed each week
Use of tobacco
Previous surgeries and any complications during/after those surgeries
Recent dental problems (infections, invasive procedures, or complications)
Family medical history (heart disease, diabetes, etc)
Sharing pertinent medical information with your physician allows him to evaluate your current medications, make informed decisions about potential complications, and take necessary precautions before the procedure.
Prepare for Surgery
Before any surgical procedure, patients must:
Get lab testing and blood work at ETASC
Change dosage of current medications based on Dr. Brantner’s instructions
Avoid taking aspirin, certain natural supplements, and anti-inflammatories
Stop smoking
Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum after midnight the day before surgery
Remove all watches, jewelry, nail polish, makeup, contact lenses, etc
Enlist a family member or close friend to hold their valuables, take them home after surgery, and care for them during the recovery period
Always follow Dr. Brantner’s pre- and post-surgery instructions to avoid medical complications, discomfort, and difficulty healing.
When most smokers light up, they’re fully aware of the health risks involved. The Center for Disease Control, the American Heart Association, and parents across the country have made it their mission to educate smokers about the ramifications of the tobacco habit. Throat cancer and lung cancer are the most serious health risks involved, but recent studies by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have proven the aging affects of smoking as well.
Premature Aging
Smoking restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your skin, causing it to dry, swell, and sag. Although the most severe smoking lines appear around the mouth, smoking has been linked to wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, cheekbones. Other studies suggest that smoking may cause weight gain, skin discoloration, and even premature sagging of the breasts. Premature aging due to smoking is treatable through cosmetic surgery, but because of the dryness, thinning, and lack of elastin in smokers’ skin, the effects are difficult to eradicate entirely. The best way to retain a youthful appearance is to nix the smoking habit once and for all.
Surgical Risks
A certified plastic surgeon will always notify patients about the risks of smoking before and after surgery. Smoking decreases the flow of oxygen in your bloodstream, causing health risks like infection, poor wound healing, and scarring. Patients who smoke in the weeks before and after an invasive procedure have a much higher risk of surgical complications than non-smoking patients.
Make a commitment to your health and appearance. If you need help to kick the smoking habit, consult a medical professional.
Although mammograms are important for breast health, two-fifths of breast cancer cases are detected by women performing breast examinations. Breast self-exams are recommended for all women, regardless of age. Self-exams are easily performed in the shower, lying down, or in front of a mirror. Feel your breasts for:
