Women’s Health and Menopause Center sends a special thank you! We are sharing our gratitude to everyone who attended our Mammograms and Mimosas event this past Saturday, 10/8/2022. We were able to bring awareness to breast cancer, share the importance of screening, and brighten people’s days with vendor’s services.

We hosted a “Guess How Many Kisses” game where participants guessed how many Hershey Kisses were in a glass jar. We started with 409 pieces of candy in the jar. Dr Marcotte joined us and ate 7 pieces thus leaving 402. We had four grand prize winners who won goodie bags put together by OMA Comp, Spa Mariana, Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, Germack, and more sponsors.

In addition to hosting fun games, we were able to screen our participants for breast cancer through mammogram scans. Big shoutout to our mammogram team that did an amazing job performing the screenings and thanked them with flowers.

Guests also enjoyed a refreshing mimosa while having options to sample services from other event sponsors.

If you would like to be a sponsor for our future events submit a request through our contact page.

View event photo gallery

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Regular screenings are an essential part of protecting yourself from cancer. As we learn more about how this condition behaves, we can come up with better ways to increase the likeliness of early detection. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force issued updated mammography guidelines that made some significant changes from those released back in 2002. What do you need to know about the new recommendations?

Women in Their 40s May or Not Need Screenings Yet

Women ages 40 to 49 used to be advised to get regular mammograms. New guidelines suggest that this may be optional for some healthy women in this age group. The Task Force found that there is limited benefit when doing screenings for women in their 40s because results are much harder to read in younger women. This can cause patients to have to return for a repeat visit or biopsy only to find out it was a false positive. Additional tests and procedures usually must be performed to verify the condition. These can come with additional risks to the patient. That’s why some medical professionals back the new guidelines that suggest women should wait until they are 50 to get regular exams. This is not always the case. Speak with your gynaecologist to see what is right for you.

If You Have a Family History of Breast Cancer, You Need Screenings

The guidelines mentioned above are based on a patient who is healthy with no family history. If you have a first or second-degree relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer, then the recommendations will differ for you.

A first-degree relative would be an immediate family member like a mother, sister, or daughter. A second-degree relative would include family members that are one step beyond that, like an aunt or grandmother.

Talk to Your Doctor About Your Breast Cancer Risk

Different factors will affect your breast cancer risk and help determine when you should begin regular screenings. Talk to your Women’s Health OB/GYN to discuss factors that apply to you. Contact our offices today to schedule your appointment.

Women’s Health offers state-of-the-art 3D Mammography screening right at our office for your convenience.

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Breast cancer is a concern that lingers on the minds of most women at some point in their lives. The good news is that many patients survive and go on to lead full, long lives. The key is catching cancer as early as possible to increase your chances of a positive outcome. Today, women have multiple options when it comes to breast cancer detection.

• Mammograms

Mammograms are the most well-known breast cancer detection method used today. This approach involves taking an X-ray of the breast to look for changes that are not visible on the outside. While mammograms can be very effective, they do not find approximately one in five breast cancers.

• 3-D Mammograms

3D mammograms deliver a three dimensional X-ray image of the breast, so doctors can view multiple angles and are more likely to notice changes sooner, increasing the potential of catching breast cancer earlier which improves the probability of a better outcome. 3D mammograms advanced technology is also better equipped to look into dense tissue with increased accuracy and better views.

• Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound may be used to identify changes that can be felt but are not visible using a mammogram. It may also be used to look closer at a change that was identified using mammography. This method utilizes sound waves to produce an image of the inside of each breast.

• MRI Scan

A breast MRI is generally used for women who have a breast cancer diagnosis. This type of imaging will measure the cancer and look for other tumors. Women who have a high risk of cancer may be advised to have an MRI scan done as an early detection measure.

• Experimental Imaging

Experimental imaging techniques are being studied to look for improved ways to detect breast cancer. This includes methods like molecular imaging, optical imaging, positron emission mammography (PEM), and electrical impedance imaging (EIT).

If you are due for a mammogram or want to learn more about other screening options, contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center today. Our experienced, board certified OB/GYN’s will help you find the best method for you to increase your chances of early detection.

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Some causes of cancer are genetic, which means that they are inherited through genes. Breast cancer can be hereditary, however, most cases are NOT. There may be lifestyle changes that you can make right now that will reduce your risk of developing the disease later in life.

• Avoid Smoking

Smoking increases your risk of breast cancer. The effects are even stronger in premenopausal women. Your best bet is to not start smoking. If you already smoke, now is the time to quit.

• Enjoy Alcohol in Moderation

There is nothing wrong with drinking a glass of wine or beer every now and again. Excessive intake can increase your risk of health conditions like cancer. A good approach is to limit yourself to one drink or less per day.

• Maintain Healthy Weight

Healthy weight is a great way to avoid many medical conditions, including cancer. The heavier you are, the higher your chances of developing this and other diseases. This is even more important for older women, including those who are postmenopausal.

• Breastfeed Your Baby

According to Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center’s health education specialist Rachel King, “Research shows mothers who breastfeed lower their risk of pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer.” She recommends breastfeeding for longer than the suggested six months for maximum benefit.

• Limit Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can be helpful for a number of conditions, but it can also raise your risk of cancer. Limit the duration and dose of this treatment option. Patients who underwent hormone therapy for over three to five years had an increased risk of breast cancer.

Schedule an appointment with your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OB/GYN who can provide more information and suggestions for preventing breast cancer.

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3D mammography is an exciting new breakthrough in the world of breast cancer detection and prevention. This method produces a three dimensional X-ray image of the breast, allowing doctors to view the interior from multiple angles. What is it about 3D mammography that’s making such a big difference in the lives of women?

• Improved Accuracy

Tumors are easier to see when viewed with 3D mammography. That’s because this process minimizes the effects of overlapping tissue. Doctors are more likely to notice changes than they were using older methods.

• Detects Cancer Sooner

3D mammography can detect cancer sooner. Early detection is vital to a positive outcome. This method allows the doctor to find and view smaller cancers that used to be hidden by 2D scans. The earlier cancer is detected, the sooner treatment can begin.

• More Effective in Dense Tissue

Some women have denser breast tissue, which could hinder imaging. 3D mammography uses different angles, which allows it to get a better look into dense tissue.

• Fewer False Alarms

False alarms cause serious anxiety. 3D mammography reduces the number of false detection with increased accuracy and visibility. This also means fewer unnecessary callbacks for additional biopsies and scans.

• Safe Method That’s More Effective

3D mammography exposes the patient to minimal radiation. The dose is below the FDA’s limit for mammography. The organization also conducted a study that found the benefits far outweigh any risks.

Contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OB/GYN today for an appointment to learn more about 3D mammography and to find if this is the best screening option for you.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #OBGYN #Obstetrician #Gynecologist #Mammography #3DMammography #Mammograms #BreastCancerScreening

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About 12.4%, or one in eight, women in the U.S. will develop an invasive form of breast cancer. While the rates have decreased since 2000, there are still an estimated 266,120 new cases expected in 2018. Over 40,000 women are expected to lose their lives to breast cancer this year. You and your loved ones can protect yourselves with information and regular screenings.

Women Under 40

Healthy women under age 40 are not advised to undergo mammograms. This is because breast tissue tends to be denser, making the screening less effective. There is a lower risk of developing the condition at a younger age. Your doctor can review risk factors to decide whether or not you should wait.

Women Between 40 and 44

Women are advised to begin breast cancer screenings around age 40. The American College of Physicians recommended raising the starting age to 50 for healthy women. The previous guideline was once per year, but some medical professionals now suggest once per two years. Talk to your gynecologist about your risks to determine the best mammogram schedule for you.

Women Between 45 and 54

Women should continue regular screenings through age 54. If you didn’t start in your 40s, make sure you schedule your first mammogram by the time you are 50.

Women Over 55

Once women reach the age of 55, healthy women can usually stick to a two-year mammogram schedule. Make sure you go over health status and risk factors with your doctor before making this decision.

Women of All Ages

Women of all ages should learn about breast cancer, its causes, and symptoms. They should also understand what mammograms are and their limitations as well as any risks that are associated with having them. This is the best way to make informed decisions about your health. Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center to schedule an appointment and learn more or to find out when you should begin breast cancer screenings.

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