Breast Cancer Screening

The women’s health team at Vanguard Medical Group offers breast cancer screening to patients, including clinical breast exams and mammograms. Both are recommended for detecting breast cancer early, so that it can be treated right away. Some medical organizations recommend starting mammograms between age 40-45, while other recommend starting at age 50. You should talk with your healthcare provider to figure out what’s right for you. It’s recommended that you have a yearly clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider once a year starting at age 20.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer

The doctors, nurses and staff are highly trained in breast cancer screening and know exactly what early signs to look for. During a clinical exam, they’ll look for any abnormalities and feel for lumps in your breasts. Most breast exams are precautionary, but if you notice you have any of these early signs, make an appointment as soon as possible.

• Hard lump inside the breast or underarm area
• Skin dimples or puckers
• Nipple or breast starts pulling in
• Change in the shape or size of the breast
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast or nipple
• nipple discharge
• Rash on the nipple

If you feel a lump or notice any other changes, don’t be alarmed. In many cases, doctors will rule out the presence of breast cancer with a mammogram, biopsy or other technologies, and determine the cause to be a benign condition. However, it’s always best to be proactive in seeking screenings to ensure your wellbeing and preserve peace of mind.

Don’t Wait – Schedule a Screening

Early detection is extremely important for breast cancer. If the cancer is caught in the early stages, before it has time to spread to other parts of the body, it is often curable. Many women can even be cured and go on to live healthy lives.

If you’re at high risk for developing breast cancer, it’s even more important to have screenings done on a regular basis. Risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, being over the age of 50, certain reproductive history and more. If you’re worried about your risk, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. For very high-risk women, other types of breast cancer screening may be recommended in addition to a mammogram and clinical breast exam.

High-Quality Women’s Healthcare

Be proactive about your health and contact your local Vanguard Medical Group office in New Jersey today to make an appointment for a breast cancer screening. Our women’s health team also performs PAP tests, STD testing, gynecological exams and general medical care for women.