Screening for Breast Cancer

Each individual has different risk factors and concerns about breast cancer screening. Below are descriptions of screening methods and general guidelines on how to use each method. Please discuss your options with Drs. Young or Larsen to determine the best breast cancer screening plan for you.

1.Mammography. Mammography uses ionizing radiation to image breast tissue and screen for suspicious areas. The exams are performed by compressing the breast firmly between a plastic plate and an x-ray cassette. Mammography can detect breast cancer too small to be found on clinical exam or self exam and will detect 80-90% of breast cancers in women without symptoms.
According to USPSTF’s recently revised guidelines, women aged 50-74 should undergo mammogram every two years. If you or an immediate family member has a history of breast cancer, please discuss an appropriate mammogram plan with your doctor.

2.MRI and Ultrasound are used as supplemental or alternative breast screening tools. Both carry less risk as they do not involve exposure to radiation, but have less research supporting the efficacy as a breast screening method.

3.Self breast exams (SBE) are one of the best preventative measures you can take on your own. Ideally, you do a SBE weekly so that you can become familiar with the changes in your breast during your menstrual cycle. For many women, breast tissue changes during menses are common and harmless. Look for persistent changes to breast tissue, skin thickening, swelling, distortion, tenderness, skin irritation, redness, and scaliness, nipple abnormalities (ulceration, retraction, and spontaneous discharge). Typically breast pain is a result of a benign condition and is not an early symptom of breast cancer. Directions on how to do a SBE at the end of the newsletter or at the following website: http://www.henricodoctors.com/cpm/WomensImagingCenter3.gif

4.Clinical breast exams are performed by your doctor at your annual check up beginning at age 20. Yearly gynecological exams are important to screen not only for changes in breast tissue, but also for changes in ovary, uterus and cervical health.

In our opinion, appropriate use of mammography varies based on individual risk factors. An individual with a strong personal or family history of breast cancer should have a mammogram performed more frequently than an individual with no significant risk factors. Please discuss the benefits and harms of mammography with your doctor to determine the best plan for you.

5. Breast thermography is a relatively new screening method available as an adjunctive or alternative to mammography. As cancerous cells develop, they stimulate angiogenesis, or new blood vessel formation, to support growth, creating “hot spots” in breast tissue. This screening method utilizes an infra red camera to identify areas of increased heat in breast tissue. Please talk to Drs. Young or Larsen if you’d like more information on breast thermography.

Watch our videos to learn more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ihblh61NIg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm9MzDAYeL0

Young Naturopathic Wellness Center

The Young Naturopathic Wellness Center was founded to provide patients with appropriate diagnoses and effective, individualized treatment and education to help them achieve wellness.

To achieve your own wellness, call 408.761.6781 today to schedule your appointment. For more information about the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, visit http://www.drreneeyoung.com/