This includes staying on top of your breast health.
With about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes1.
At iCAD, we strive to keep you healthy and iNFORMED by sharing the most relevant information, facts and resources about breast health. While it’s hard to determine ways in which to prevent breast cancer, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk including:
- Self-exams – Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so be sure to self-check your breasts regularly for any abnormalities. If you notice something unusual, such as a lump, skin change or discharge, contact your doctor immediately. Learn more about how to perform self-exams here.
- Annual gynecological exams – Now that the guidelines for pap smears have changed, many women are opting out of their annual OB/GYN visit. However, these appointments are critical, particularly as women age and their hormones change. Gynecological exams typically include a clinical breast exam and are a great opportunity for you to ask your doctor about your individual risks for breast cancer, including family history and breast density.
- Mammograms – Don’t put off scheduling your annual mammogram and be sure to request a 3D mammogram specifically. 3D is more accurate than 2D and reduces the chance of false positives or having to return for additional imaging.
- Breast density – Be sure to ask the radiologist or tech performing your mammogram how dense your breasts are. Currently, only 34 states are required by law to notify patients that they have dense breasts following a mammogram, so it’s important to be proactive and ask questions. Having dense breast tissue can not only increase your risk of developing breast cancer, it can also make it more difficult to detect on a traditional mammogram screening.
- Breast density laws – Stay educated and informed on the breast density laws in your state and fight for a change if something is lacking in your area.
Whether it’s National Women’s Health Week or Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that taking control of your health is critical year-round, as breast cancer has no seasons.
For more questions or information about breast density or iCAD’s PowerLook Density Assessment, contact a member of our team today and be sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter for more personal health and breast news.
1. National Breast Cancer Foundation www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts
About iCAD:
iCAD is a global medical technology leader providing innovative cancer detection and therapy solutions. We work passionately to provide precise, powerful healthcare solutions expertly engineered to optimize operational efficiency, clinician confidence and patient outcomes. iCAD offers a comprehensive range of artificial intelligence and workflow solutions to support rapid and accurate detection of breast and colorectal cancers. For more information, visit www.icadmed.com or www.xoftinc.com.