The Importance of Proactivity During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For more than 40 years, October has served as an important moment to educate everyone about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, and accounts for nearly 30% of all new female cancers each year. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 297,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2023 alone. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month underscores the importance of proactivity when it comes to self screening and regular mammograms.

For more than 40 years, October has served as an important moment to educate everyone about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, and accounts for nearly 30% of all new female cancers each year. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 297,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2023 alone. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month underscores the importance of proactivity when it comes to self screening and regular mammograms.

Proactive Measures: Self-Examinations

Breast cancer awareness begins with self-examinations. Self-breast exams are simple, yet powerful tools for early detection. Women should perform regular self-examinations to get acquainted with the normal look and feel of their breasts. Any unusual changes, such as lumps, dimpling, skin changes, or nipple discharge, should be immediately reported to a healthcare professional.

Desert Radiology emphasizes the importance of teaching women how to perform breast self-examinations correctly. By knowing your body and understanding what is normal for you, you become more capable of detecting potential abnormalities at the earliest stage.

The Role of Mammograms in Early Detection

In addition to self-examinations, mammograms are an indispensable component of early breast cancer detection. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can reveal hidden tumors or abnormalities that are not yet palpable. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should start annual mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history or other risk factors, you may need to begin screening earlier.

Desert Radiology is pleased to offer our patients 3D Mammography. 3D mammography allows our radiologist to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. So, instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with traditional mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below. 3D mammography detects 41% more invasive breast cancers and reduces false positives by up to 40%. This means one simple thing: early detection.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

One of the key messages that National Breast Cancer Awareness Month conveys is the importance of not waiting until it's too late. Early detection saves lives. Breast cancer, when caught at an early stage, is often treatable and has a higher chance of successful outcomes. Waiting until you notice symptoms or signs could allow the cancer to progress to a more advanced stage, which may require more aggressive treatments and result in poorer prognosis.

By actively participating in breast cancer awareness and taking control of your breast health, you can ensure that if breast cancer does strike, it will be detected at a stage when treatment is most effective.

Thinking Proactively with Desert Radiology

Desert Radiology stands at the forefront of promoting proactive breast health in Las Vegas and beyond. They are committed to providing comprehensive breast imaging services, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast ultrasound, and breast MRI, to ensure that women receive the most accurate and advanced breast cancer screenings.

In the spirit of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Desert Radiology encourages women to make proactive choices about their breast health and schedule their routine annual screenings in advance. Schedule next year’s appointment early to remain vigilant and proactive. The message is clear: don't wait until you feel something is wrong. Instead, take charge of your health, schedule regular screenings, perform self-examinations, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.desertrad.com/scheduling/appointment-scheduling