October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Why is breast cancer screening important? Breast cancer screening is important because is can help detect the early stages of breast cancer. Breast cancer screening typically starts at the age of 40 years. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer in your family or a previous breast condition, your physician may recommend screening at an earlier age. Your obstetrician, gynecologist, family doctor, internist or breast surgeon can write you a prescription for a mammogram. A mammogram is a radiologic examination of your breasts to help identify breast cancer or other abnormalities of the breast tissue. Other breast examinations include ultrasound, MRI and self-exams. If you feel a breast lump, call your physician as soon as possible to have a complete breast evaluation.

Breast cancer screening and routine mammograms are also important for patients planning on having elective surgery, such as cosmetic plastic surgery. If you are interested in having breast reduction surgery, breast augmentation, a breast lift or fat grafting to the breast with Dr. Aboutanos in the Richmond area, you may need to get a mammogram prior to your surgery. A normal mammogram result ensures that your surgery can be performed under the best circumstances and in the safest manner.

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, consider wearing something pink everyday of this month. I am certainly going to look for something pink in my closet everyday. I plan to wear pink in honor of my breast cancer and breast reconstruction patients who make me stronger on a daily basis, year-round. Together, we can increase awareness and prevent breast cancer for future generations.