Breast cancer affects both men and women. As with most cancer, early detection
is your best defense, therefore self-examinations and regular professional
screenings are imperative. The American Cancer Society encourages us to
become more familiar with our bodies so that we are more alert of any
changes that might occur. In other words, get to know your breasts by
preforming self-exams regularly.
Breast cancer is much less common in men, but it does happen. According
to the Susan G. Komen foundation, about one percent of all breast cancer
cases in the U.S. occur in men. As such, clinical breast cancer screenings
are not typically performed during a man’s routine physical exam,
but if you are considered at higher risk because of inherited gene mutations
or a strong family history of breast cancer, you should speak with your
health care provider about your personal risk of breast cancer and determine
what screenings are best for you.
In performing
regular self breasts exams, both women and men should become familiar with breast cancer warning
signs and perform self-exams in the shower, in front of a mirror or while
lying down.
If you notice any of these signs or other changes in your breast or nipple,
see your health care provider:
- Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Irregularities in or discharge from the nipple
“Conducting regular breast self-exams, although effective, should
not replace routine mammograms which are another critical screening tool
to detect cancer in its earliest stages,” said Brenda Putnam, CVMC
Breast Cancer Specialist. “Catawba Valley Imaging Center, a service
of Catawba Valley Medical Center now offers 3D mammography. The introduction
of this technology is one of many significant investments by CVMC to more
accurately diagnose patients with breast cancer.”
What is 3D mammography?
- An imaging technique that creates a three-dimensional (3D) like image of
breast tissue, to help screen patients for breast cancer. While standard
mammogram machines take a static picture from above the breast, the tomosynthesis
tube moves over the breast in an arc.
- Provides a clearer image of the breast tissue which helps diagnose patients
with breast cancer more accurately, especially in patients who are identified
as having dense breast tissue.
Take charge of your health and learn more about early breast cancer detection.
To make an appointment with
Catawba Valley Imaging Center, located at 1501 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 101, Hickory, NC 28602, call at
828-485-2774.