Are You A FOODIE?

This is for women everywhere- A CALL TO ACTION

A Dose of Health

by Brooke Mack

Women of all ages and from all walks of life must take a proactive approach to their health care in order to keep the survivor ranks growing when it comes to Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer treatment has come a long way over the years, saving countless lives. Researchers keep pressing for better drugs and earlier diagnoses.  Nearly 250,000 women in the U. S. this year will hear these words – You have breast cancer…..According to the American Cancer society the survivor ranks are growing and now number about 2.5 million.  Being proactive is essential in early detection to keep growing these numbers. It has to start with taking care of yourself and understanding the important role you play in detection. You must know your body and check yourself regularly along with the annual exams. Understanding SymptomsThe classic symptom for breast cancer is a lump found in the breast or armpit. An aggressive type of this disease, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), grows in sheets of tumor cells that invade the skin and resembles a rash. Doing your monthly breast self-exam (BSE) is a great way to be familiar with your breasts’ texture, cyclical changes, size, and skin condition. Early detection is the best way to protect your health and improve your odds of survival. Don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you notice any changes or seek out detection by making an appointment to have a mammogram. You don’t have to wait for the Dr. to have one, be proactive and be tested.      Once women reach the age of 40, a screening mammogram is a necessary part of their annual wellness program.  The good news is that state-of-the-art digital mammography is providing images of unprecedented quality – much superior to the analog method that has been the industry standard.  An additional sophisticated diagnostic tool, computer aided detection (CAD), is proving to be invaluable by automatically identifying and highlighting suspicious areas. Compression of the breast is critical to give the patient the full benefit of the procedure.  Fortunately, compression time has been significantly reduced due to the speed of the digital unit. Compression of the breast is critical to give the patient the full benefit of the procedure.  Fortunately, compression time has been significantly reduced due to the speed of the digital unit.  If you have a family history with breast cancer, do not wait till you are 40, start being proactive as soon as possible.   We are now well armed in our collective war on breast cancer.  Health care providers can have greater confidence in detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages when the prognosis is most favorable.  In turn, patients can be afforded a better peace of mind about their breast health.  Digital mammography has been available for over five years here in Tulare County at Visalia Women’s Imaging Specialists. They use CAD on all mammographic studies. Their women mammographers are highly trained and have extensive years of experience. The technical aspect of obtaining the studies is integral to getting excellent results.        Getting the word out to women is actively promoted by many organizations, especially this month as we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness month, but it is ultimately the individual’s responsibility.   For all the reasons women put off having their mammograms, none is a convincing excuse to deny themselves the medical advances available today.  A proactive approach to healthcare is essential.For more information or to take steps to early detection using the digital mammography contact Visalia Women’s Imaging Specialists(559) 734-5674, (800) 804-4682, 1700 S. Court St., Ste C ●  Visalia, www.visaliaopenmri.com