Roxanne Greenfield,PA-C
Prestige OB/GYN Miramar
1951 SW 172nd Ave. Ste. 405
Miramar, FL 33029
954-538-1300
Prestige OB/GYN Hollywood
5740 Hollywood Blvd.
Suite 200
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-518-4100
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women world wide. As such, it is very important for women to follow appropriate screening guidelines. For women who do not have an elevated lifetime risk of breast cancer, it is recommended to start doing screening mammogram at age 40. Screening mammograms are typically done every year or every other year. If your breast tissue is dense, your doctor may also require a breast ultrasound as well. In addition to yearly breast imaging, it is important to go to your doctor once a year for annual exam. An annual exam consists of a pelvic exam and a breast exam. Finally, you should be doing monthly breast checks yourself. When you do this every month, you begin to know what feels normal for you so that if something is abnormal you will be able to pick up on it. In fact, many breast cancers are detected by the patients themselves before they even go for their annual exam or mammogram. It is important to recognize however, that self breast exams and clinical breast exams do not take the place of doing screening mammograms.
For women who are higher risk, you need may additional studies. Women who have a greater than 20% calculated lifetime risk of developing breast cancer generally require annual screening mammogram followed by a breast MRI 6 months later. Some women may need to see high risk specialist as well. Women with a high risk for breast cancer may need to start screening at a younger age. A genetic counselor can help you determine your lifetime risk percentage. Ask your doctor if you could benefit from seeing a genetic counselor.
