May is a smart time to reset your healthcare checklist. National Women’s Health Week 2026 runs from May 10 through May 16 and encourages women to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If you have been putting off routine care, this is a strong time to get back on track.

Preventive screenings matter because many important health conditions do not cause obvious symptoms early on. A screening schedule should always be personalized, but there are several key services many women should review with their provider this month.

Start With Your Well-Woman Visit

A yearly well-woman visit is one of the best places to begin. The Office on Women’s Health describes this as a yearly preventive checkup and a time to review your health, concerns, goals, and prevention plan.

A well-woman visit helps make sure the rest of your preventive care stays coordinated. It is also the right time to discuss symptoms such as:

• Irregular bleeding or pelvic pain
• Vaginal dryness or menopause changes
• Questions about fertility and birth control

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening remains one of the most important preventive services in OB/GYN care. The USPSTF recommends:

• Ages 21 to 29: Screening every 3 years with cytology (Pap test) alone.
• Ages 30 to 65: Cytology every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing alone every 5 years, or cotesting every 5 years.

If you are not sure when your last Pap test or HPV screening was completed, May is a good time to check. Staying current matters, even if you feel fine.

Mammograms

Breast cancer screening guidance has changed in an important way. The USPSTF now recommends biennial screening mammography for women ages 40 to 74. This means many women should start routine mammograms at 40 and continue every other year through 74.

Women with a higher-than-average breast cancer risk—such as those with a strong family history, prior abnormal imaging, or dense breasts—may need a more individualized screening plan.

Blood Pressure Screening

Blood pressure screening is a vital part of preventive women’s health. The USPSTF recommends screening for hypertension in adults 18 years or older. High blood pressure may not cause symptoms early, making routine screening essential during:

• Pregnancy and postpartum care
• Menopause transition
• General annual wellness exams

Diabetes Screening

The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults ages 35 to 70 who have overweight or obesity. This is especially relevant for women with a history of:

• Gestational diabetes
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Metabolic concerns or menopause-related weight changes

STI Screening When Indicated

Screening needs vary based on age, sexual history, and risk factors. The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in:

• All sexually active women age 24 and younger.
• Women 25 and older who are at increased risk (including pregnant persons).

Bone Density Screening

Bone health is a priority, especially for postmenopausal women. As of January 2025, the USPSTF recommends:

• Women 65 and older: Routine screening for osteoporosis with bone density measurement.
• Postmenopausal women under 65: Evaluation for those who have specific risk factors.

Prevention Works Best When It Is Personalized

Not every woman needs every screening at the same age. Your plan should reflect your age, medical history, and personal goals. A preventive visit is also a chance to review emotional well-being and pelvic floor concerns.

At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, we help women build a prevention plan that supports health at every stage. Stop delaying the care you meant to schedule months ago—make this May about you.

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Finding out you have dense breasts can be confusing. Many women think this refers to how their breasts feel. However, you cannot feel breast density yourself. Only a mammogram can determine your density level.

According to WHMC’s breast density article, dense breasts have less fatty tissue. They contain more glandular and connective tissue instead. Approximately 40% of women fall into this category.

What Dense Breasts Actually Mean

Dense breast tissue matters for two main reasons. First, it can make mammograms harder to read. Both dense tissue and potential tumors appear white on the image. This can sometimes hide small concerns. Second, dense breasts carry a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

The USPSTF notes that nearly half of all women have dense breasts. They recommend that all women at average risk begin screening at age 40. You should continue these screenings every other year through age 74.

However, density does not require a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Current guidelines state there isn’t enough evidence to mandate extra imaging for everyone. Instead, you should discuss your options with your doctor. Your personal risk and family history should guide the next steps.

What to Ask After a Dense Breast Result

Start with specific questions to move from worry to a clear plan. Try asking your provider these questions:

• “Which density category did my mammogram show?” This provides a specific starting point for your records.
• “Does this density change my personal screening schedule?” This is vital if you have a family history of cancer.
• “Would supplemental imaging benefit me?” WHMC offers Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) for women with dense tissue.
• “When should I schedule my next mammogram?”

Clear communication makes your health plan feel manageable. Use these notifications as a tool to stay informed.

What Women Should Remember

Dense breasts are very common. This result is not a reason to panic. Instead, use this information to have a better conversation with your doctor. The goal is to understand your options. You want a breast health plan that fits your individual risk profile.

The Bottom Line

If your report mentions dense breasts, do not ignore it. It does not mean something is wrong. It simply means you have more information about your body. Talk to your WHMC provider about your screening plan today. One proactive conversation can replace a lot of uncertainty.

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Breast cancer detection is a critical aspect of women’s health, especially for those with dense breast tissue, where traditional mammograms may fall short. At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, we are committed to providing the most advanced and effective screening technologies available. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), a groundbreaking innovation in breast cancer detection.

What is ABUS?

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is a state-of-the-art imaging technology specifically designed to improve breast cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue. Unlike traditional mammograms, which can sometimes struggle to detect tumors in dense tissue, ABUS offers a more detailed and comprehensive scan. This advanced system automatically captures multiple ultrasound images of the entire breast, providing a three-dimensional view that enhances the detection of small tumors that might be missed by other screening methods.

Why is ABUS Important for Women with Dense Breast Tissue?

Dense breast tissue not only makes it more difficult to detect cancer with standard mammograms but also increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, the same color as tumors, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. ABUS overcomes this limitation by providing clearer images of the breast tissue, allowing for more accurate detection and diagnosis. This enhanced screening capability is particularly crucial for early detection, which significantly improves treatment outcomes.

The Benefits of ABUS

1. Enhanced Detection: ABUS increases the accuracy of breast cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue, reducing the likelihood of missed diagnoses.
2. Comprehensive Imaging: The technology provides a full 3D image of the breast, allowing radiologists to see through dense tissue and identify abnormalities that may not be visible on a mammogram.
3. Comfort and Convenience: The ABUS procedure is non-invasive, similar to a regular ultrasound, and can be completed relatively quickly. Patients typically experience less discomfort compared to other imaging techniques.
4. Peace of Mind: With ABUS, women with dense breast tissue can feel more confident in the accuracy of their breast cancer screenings, knowing they are receiving the most advanced care available.

Why Choose Women’s Health and Menopause Center?

At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, we are dedicated to offering our patients the latest in women’s health technology. Our team of experienced professionals is trained in the use of ABUS, ensuring that you receive the most accurate and reliable breast cancer screening possible. We understand the importance of early detection, especially for those at higher risk, and are proud to provide this cutting-edge service to our community.

If you have dense breast tissue or are looking for the most advanced breast cancer screening options, Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) at Women’s Health and Menopause Center is the right choice for you. This innovative technology represents a significant advancement in breast cancer detection, providing clearer, more detailed images and improving early detection rates. Schedule your ABUS screening today and take a proactive step towards your health and well-being.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at Women’s Health and Menopause Center. We are here to support you every step of the way.

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Experts recommend breast milk as the best nutritional choice for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth.

Breast milk provides the nutrients a baby needs to grow and thrive. It also helps fight infections, eases digestion, enhances emotional bonding, improves intellectual development, reduces risks of certain infections and diseases, and is free and convenient.

Some mothers cannot or do not want to breastfeed. This may depend on medical situations, lifestyle, and personal preferences. For women in these categories, formula feeding is a healthy alternative. Formula provides the nutrients that babies need to grow.

Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding

Breast milk remains the gold standard for newborns. It has the right balance of nutrients that your baby needs. On the other hand, commercial infant formulas do not contain antibodies needed to boost immunity and fight infections. Breast milk is also easier to digest than formula. Formula-fed babies may have more gas and harder bowel movements than breastfed babies. Also, breast milk is free, readily available, and at the right temperature. However, formula can be costly and requires preparation under sterile conditions. Formula feeding also has its pros. It is more convenient, flexible, and increases partner involvement in the feeding of the baby. Formula-fed babies are fed less frequently than breastfed babies. In addition, mothers do not have to worry about their diet, medications, or health conditions if they opt for formula feeding.

It is your choice

How you feed your child is your choice. Even if it was not a convenient choice, do not feed any negative emotions. Instead, focus on caring for and nourishing your baby. If necessary, you can share your feelings with your healthcare provider. No matter your choice, ensure you do the best for yourself and your child.

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Women’s Health and Menopause Center encourages our patients to schedule a 3-D mammography appointment. A preventative 3-D mammogram is one of the best tools we currently have to screen for changes. A baseline mammogram is recommended around the age of 35 if you have no family history. If you do have a family history of breast cancer, your baseline mammogram will be completed at a younger age. We need a baseline mammogram to provide a comparison view, so that we can see what’s normal for you and detect changes as you age. At age 40, we recommend all women to receive a yearly 3-D mammogram.

As a reminder, if you notice any changes in your breasts no matter your age, contact us and make an appointment. Don’t let this go until your next annual exam. We can take a look and order additional testing as needed.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps to increase awareness of the disease.

Please take a moment and contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield, Michigan today to schedule your 3-D mammography appointment. Do not put it off. 3-D mammograms are one of the important diagnostic tools we have that can help detect breast cancer early.

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When breast cancer is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is very much in your favor! Since the survival rate changes depending on the stage of breast cancer, it is essential that it is caught early. 3-D mammograms are one of the tools we use to detect breast cancer. We have 3-D imaging screening right in our office for your convenience. Schedule an appointment at Women’s Health in West Bloomfield today.

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What happens when you find out that your breasts are denser than usual? Breasts contain different types of tissue – there is fat tissue, connective tissue, and glandular tissue. When breasts are dense, it means that there are high amounts of glandular and connective tissue but that there are lower amounts of fat tissue. It should be noted that dense breast tissue shows up during a mammogram, so it cannot be found simply through a standard breast exam. The levels of breast density are determined using a system called Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, or “BI-RADS.”

Breast density can be inherited, and it is very common. In fact, nearly half of women 40 and over have dense breasts. The risk for breast cancer actually increases with the amount of breast density, as well – so if your breasts are dense, you should have mammograms regularly and take follow-ups seriously. If you need to schedule a 3-D mammography, contact us for an appointment.

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A reminder to all of our patients to not put off your mammogram. 3D mammograms are an important tool to see changes in your breasts and to potentially catch breast cancer earlier which can improve outcomes from this disease. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer found in American women with a 1 in 8 chance of developing the disease. Contact us to request an appointment.

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