With SMH Breast Surgical Oncologist Sarah Kimball, MD
Did you know that women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 chance of developing invasive breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society?
“Early detection gives women a much better chance of surviving breast cancer, if it develops,” said Sarah Kimball, MD, a breast cancer surgeon with Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute. “When it’s discovered early, breast cancer can be highly treatable.”
That’s why it’s important for all women to practice breast health self-care: Know your normal. Know your risk level. And know when you should get screened.
Know Your Normal
Breast self-awareness starts with knowing what is normal for your breasts. If you notice even small changes to your breast, nipple or underarm area, tell your healthcare provider right away.
Red Flags to Watch for:
- New pain that does not go away
- New lump in the breast or underarm
- Nipple discharge, including blood
- Pulling in of your nipple or other area of the breast
- Breast thickening, swelling or darkening
- Any change in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or irritation
- An itchy, scaly rash or sore in the nipple area or breast
“In pre-menopausal women — those in their 40s and younger — breast cancers will often manifest more aggressively,” Dr. Kimball said. “Since most women don’t have their first mammogram until age 40, yearly clinical breast exams and watching for red flag changes should also be done to identify any concerns as early as possible.”
Know Your Risk
Understanding your risk level and risk factors allows you to develop a plan to minimize the risk factors you can control. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk of developing breast cancer and whether genetic testing may be right for you.
“About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer,” Kimball said. “These are typically caused by genetic mutations resulting from the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited gene mutations.”
Screening Saves Lives
Women should have a yearly mammogram and yearly clinical breast exam starting at age 40. From age 25 to 39, they should have a clinical breast exam every 1 to 3 years.
To schedule a mammogram: Call 941-917-7322.
Women who are uninsured or cannot afford a mammogram or other breast health service may be able to get financial assistance through our Breast Health Grant Support Program: Call 941-917-7642.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
- Aging
- Starting menstruation before age 12
- Never giving birth or having first child later in life
- Starting menopause after age 55
- Hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years
- Personal history of breast cancer or dense breasts
- Having close relatives diagnosed with breast cancer
Ways to Reduce Your Risk
- Stay physically active with regular exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Follow a healthy diet
- Limit alcohol intake
- Avoid menopausal hormone-replacement therapy, if possible
Know When to Get Screened
For women age 40 and older, getting an annual screening mammogram is the best way to catch breast cancer at an early stage, when it’s easier to treat, less aggressive and less likely to have spread.
Screening recommendations may vary for women who have a history of breast cancer or an increased risk of developing the disease; those who are higher risk for breast cancer should talk with their gynecologist or primary care physician to develop a screening routine that’s best for them.
Sarasota Memorial offers mammography and advanced breast imaging services at 8 convenient locations in Sarasota County. To learn more and find out if breast cancer screening is right for you, click here.
To schedule a mammogram, call 941-917-7322.
Written by Senior Digital Communications Specialist Ann Key, who manages Sarasota Memorial's digital content offerings, including the Healthe-Matters blog, the Healthe-Matters newsletter, and the system's social media channels.