Breast cancer risk is not determined by one habit, symptom or family member. It is influenced by a combination of factors, including age, genetics, breast density, personal medical history and lifestyle.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer. Some people diagnosed with breast cancer have few known risk factors, while many people with several risk factors never develop the disease.

Understanding your history can help you and your healthcare provider create a breast screening plan that is appropriate for you.

Breast Cancer Risk Increases With Age

Age is one of the most significant breast cancer risk factors. Although breast cancer can affect younger women, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women age 50 or older.

Current screening guidance from the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography every two years for average-risk women between ages 40 and 74. Other medical organizations may recommend different screening schedules.

Your provider may recommend beginning screening earlier, receiving mammograms more frequently or adding another form of imaging based on your individual risk.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides 3D mammography in West Bloomfield for patient convenience and comprehensive breast imaging.

Know Your Family History

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer may increase your risk, especially when cancer affected a close relative. This includes your mother, sister, daughter or multiple relatives on either side of your family.

Tell your provider if a family member:

• Was diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
• Had cancer in both breasts
• Had both breast and ovarian cancer
• Was diagnosed with male breast cancer
• Had pancreatic or aggressive prostate cancer
• Was found to have a BRCA1, BRCA2 or another inherited genetic change

Your father’s family history is just as important as your mother’s. Try to collect information from both sides of the family, including the type of cancer and the relative’s age at diagnosis.

A strong family history does not automatically mean that you have inherited a genetic change. Your provider can help determine whether genetic counseling or testing should be considered.

Personal Health History Can Affect Risk

Your own medical history may influence your recommended screening plan. Important factors can include a previous breast cancer diagnosis, certain noncancerous breast conditions, atypical cells found during a biopsy or radiation treatment to the chest at a young age.

Tell your provider about previous mammograms, breast ultrasounds, biopsies and surgeries. If you are changing medical practices, bringing copies of previous imaging reports can help your new care team understand your history.

Reproductive and hormonal factors may also be relevant. Your provider may ask when your menstrual periods began, your age at menopause, whether you have been pregnant and whether you use hormonal medications.

These questions are not intended to place blame on personal decisions. They provide useful clinical information for assessing your overall risk.

Dense Breast Tissue Is Another Risk Factor

Dense breast tissue is common. It is determined through mammography and cannot be identified based on breast size or firmness.

Dense tissue can increase breast cancer risk and make some abnormalities more difficult to see on a mammogram. However, patients with dense breasts still need routine mammography.

Some patients may benefit from discussing supplemental imaging. Women’s Health and Menopause Center offers Automated Breast Ultrasound for appropriate patients with dense breast tissue.

ABUS is not automatically necessary for everyone with dense breasts. Your provider can help you consider your density, family history, previous findings and other factors before recommending additional imaging.

Lifestyle Factors and Breast Health

Some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed, including age and inherited genetic changes. Other factors may be influenced by lifestyle.

Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol may help reduce breast cancer risk. If you use hormonal birth control or menopausal hormone therapy, discuss the benefits and potential risks with your healthcare provider.

These medications may be appropriate for many patients. Decisions about hormone use should be individualized rather than based on fear or incomplete information.

No lifestyle choice can guarantee that someone will avoid breast cancer. Healthy habits should support your overall well-being, while appropriate screening remains an important part of breast health care.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

Consider asking these questions during your next visit:

• What factors influence my breast cancer risk?
• When should I begin receiving mammograms?
• How frequently should I be screened?
• Do I have dense breast tissue?
• Should I consider ABUS or another imaging test?
• Does my family history suggest genetic counseling?
• What breast changes should I report immediately?
• Are my current medications relevant to my risk?

Your breast screening plan may change as you age or as new information becomes available. Review it regularly with your provider.

Schedule Your Mammogram in West Bloomfield

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an excellent time to collect your family history, review your last mammogram date and ask whether your screening plan still fits your needs.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center offers breast health services and 3D mammography at our West Bloomfield office. If you are due for screening or have questions about your breast cancer risk, call (248) 932-9223 or request an appointment online.

The post Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk and Screening Needs appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Breasts can change throughout your life. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, medications and noncancerous breast conditions can all affect how your breasts look or feel.

Many breast changes are not caused by cancer. However, a new, unexplained or persistent change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Knowing what is normal for your body can help you recognize when something deserves attention.

A New Lump or Area of Thickening

A new breast lump is one of the most recognized reasons to contact a provider. Breast lumps can feel hard or soft, painful or painless, smooth or irregular.

Many lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Cysts, fibroadenomas and hormonal changes are common causes. Still, it is not possible to identify the cause of a lump by touch alone.

Contact your healthcare provider if you feel a new lump, an area of thickening or breast tissue that feels noticeably different from the surrounding area.

Changes in Breast Size or Shape

Breasts are rarely identical, and some natural asymmetry is common. What matters is whether you notice a new or unexplained change.

Schedule an evaluation if one breast suddenly appears larger, lower or differently shaped. Swelling in all or part of a breast should also be discussed, even if you cannot feel a distinct lump.

Dimpling, Puckering or Skin Changes

Changes in the skin over the breast can sometimes signal an underlying concern. Contact your provider if you notice:

• Dimpling or puckering
• Skin that resembles the texture of an orange peel
• Persistent redness
• Unexplained warmth or swelling
• Thickened, dry, scaly or flaky skin
• A rash on or around the nipple

Skin changes can have several possible causes, including irritation or infection. A professional evaluation can help determine whether additional testing or treatment is needed.

Nipple Changes or Discharge

A nipple that has always pointed inward may be normal for you. A nipple that recently begins turning inward should be evaluated.

You should also contact your provider about unexpected nipple discharge, especially when it is bloody, clear, occurs without squeezing or comes from only one breast.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding commonly cause breast milk production. Other types of discharge may be related to medications, hormonal changes, noncancerous conditions or an issue that requires further testing.

Persistent Pain in One Area

Breast tenderness can occur with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause and hormonal medications. Pain that comes and goes in both breasts is often related to hormonal changes.

Persistent pain in one specific area deserves attention, particularly when it is accompanied by a lump, swelling, nipple change or skin change.

Breast pain alone is not usually a sign of cancer, but ongoing or unusual pain should still be discussed with your healthcare provider.

A Lump Under the Arm or Near the Collarbone

Breast tissue and lymph nodes extend beyond the area many people consider the breast. A lump or swelling under the arm or near the collarbone can have several causes, including infection or inflammation.

If the swelling does not resolve or you cannot identify an obvious cause, schedule an evaluation.

Do Not Wait for Your Next Mammogram

A routine mammogram screens for breast cancer in patients who do not have symptoms. If you have discovered a breast change, contact your provider rather than waiting for your next annual screening.

Your provider may recommend a clinical breast examination, diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound or another evaluation based on your symptoms and health history.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides 3D mammography and breast imaging services in West Bloomfield. Appropriate patients with dense breast tissue may also be evaluated for Automated Breast Ultrasound.

Know What Is Normal for You

There is no single appearance or texture that is normal for every woman. Breast awareness means becoming familiar with your own body so you can recognize a meaningful change.

You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself. If something looks or feels different, write down when you first noticed it and whether it changes during your menstrual cycle. Share those details with your provider.

Schedule a Breast Health Evaluation

Most breast changes have noncancerous explanations, but every new or unusual change deserves appropriate attention. Seeking an evaluation can provide answers and help ensure that any necessary follow-up is not delayed.

If you have noticed a breast lump, nipple change, unusual discharge, skin change or persistent pain, call Women’s Health and Menopause Center at (248) 932-9223 or request an appointment online.

Our office is located at 5777 West Maple Road, Suite 200, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322.

The post Breast Changes You Should Have Checked by a Provider appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

If your mammogram report says that you have dense breast tissue, you may wonder what that means and whether you need additional testing. Dense breasts are common, but breast density can affect both your breast cancer risk and the way your mammogram images are interpreted.

Understanding your breast density can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and screening plan.

What Is Dense Breast Tissue?

Breasts are made of fatty tissue, fibrous connective tissue and glandular tissue. Breast density describes the proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue.

Breast density is not determined by the size, shape or firmness of your breasts. It can only be identified through breast imaging. A radiologist evaluates your mammogram and assigns your breast tissue to one of four density categories:

1. Almost entirely fatty
2. Scattered areas of fibroglandular density
3. Heterogeneously dense
4. Extremely dense

Patients in the third and fourth categories are generally considered to have dense breast tissue.

Why Does Breast Density Matter?

Dense breast tissue is important for two primary reasons.

First, dense tissue and certain breast abnormalities can both appear white on a mammogram. This can make it more difficult for a radiologist to identify small masses or other changes within the breast.

Second, women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women with less-dense tissue. Breast density is only one risk factor, however. Your age, family history, previous breast biopsies, reproductive history and genetic factors may also affect your overall risk.

Having dense breasts does not mean that you have breast cancer. It also does not mean that a mammogram is unnecessary.

Do You Still Need Mammograms If You Have Dense Breasts?

Yes. Mammograms remain an important breast cancer screening tool for women with dense breast tissue. Mammography may detect breast changes before a lump or other symptom can be felt.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography every two years for average-risk women from ages 40 through 74. Other medical organizations may recommend different schedules, and patients with increased risk may need a personalized screening plan.

Your provider can help you determine when to begin screening and how often you should receive a mammogram based on your personal health history.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center offers 3D mammography in West Bloomfield. Three-dimensional imaging captures multiple views of the breast, giving the radiologist more information to review than a traditional two-dimensional image alone.

Could Additional Imaging Be Helpful?

Some patients with dense breasts may be candidates for supplemental imaging, such as breast ultrasound. Whether additional testing is appropriate depends on more than breast density alone.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center offers Automated Breast Ultrasound, also known as ABUS, for appropriate patients with dense breast tissue. ABUS creates ultrasound images of the breast that may help a radiologist examine areas that can be more difficult to evaluate with mammography.

Additional imaging can also identify findings that require further evaluation, even when those findings are not cancer. That is why the decision should be based on a conversation with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits, limitations and costs.

Review Your Mammogram Report

Your mammogram report should tell you whether your breast tissue is considered dense. If you are unsure what the report means, ask your provider the following questions:

• What is my breast density category?
• Does my family or medical history increase my breast cancer risk?
• Is 3D mammography appropriate for me?
• Should I consider ABUS or another form of supplemental imaging?
• How often should I receive breast cancer screening?
• Will my insurance cover the recommended imaging?

Insurance coverage can vary by plan, service and medical necessity. Contact your insurance company and the WHMC office before scheduling if you have questions about coverage or expected costs.

Mammograms and Breast Awareness Work Together

Even if your most recent mammogram was normal, pay attention to how your breasts normally look and feel. Contact a healthcare provider if you discover a new lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes, unusual discharge, swelling or another persistent change.

Screening is intended for people without symptoms. A new breast concern may require diagnostic imaging or another type of evaluation instead of a routine screening mammogram.

Talk With WHMC About Your Breast Screening Plan

Breast density should not be a source of panic. It is useful information that can help you and your provider make informed decisions about your care.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides 3D mammography, breast health services and ABUS at our West Bloomfield office. If you are due for a mammogram or have questions about dense breast tissue, call (248) 932-9223 or request an appointment.

The post Dense Breast Tissue and Mammograms appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Join us on October 29th from 5–8 PM at Women’s Health and Menopause Center for an evening dedicated to wellness, prevention, and community 💗

✨ Enjoy:

• Mammogram & ABUS screenings

• Exciting prizes

• Light refreshments

• Wellness tips & education

💡 Limited availability! We can accommodate up to 8 mammograms and 4 ABUS screenings during event hours. Be sure to schedule early to reserve your spot.

Let’s shine a light on breast health, because prevention is powerful. 🌟

📍 www.whmcenter.com | 📞 (248) 932-9223

The post Mammograms by Moonlight is back! appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Breast density is an important factor in breast cancer screening, yet many women are unaware of what it means. Dense breasts have less fatty tissue and more glandular and connective tissue, making it harder to detect abnormalities on a standard mammogram. Approximately 40% of women have dense breasts, which can slightly increase their risk of breast cancer.

How Do You Know If You Have Dense Breasts?
Breast density can only be determined through a mammogram, as it’s not related to the size or firmness of your breasts. After your screening, your healthcare provider will inform you if you have dense breast tissue.

Why It Matters
Dense breast tissue can make it difficult to spot tumors on a mammogram, as both dense tissue and cancer appear white on the image. This can lead to missed diagnoses or false negatives. Women with dense breasts may need additional imaging, such as Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) or breast MRI, to ensure accurate screening.

What You Can Do
If you have dense breasts, talk to your healthcare provider about supplemental screening options. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol, can also support breast health. It’s essential to stay proactive and schedule regular screenings to catch any potential issues early.

At Women’s Health and Menopause Center, we offer advanced imaging solutions like ABUS to provide accurate and thorough breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts. Schedule your appointment today to stay on top of your breast health.

The post Understanding Breast Density: Why It Matters for Mammograms appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Join us for a special evening under the moonlight at Women’s Health and Menopause Center on October 15th from 5 PM to 7 PM.

What to Expect:

• Exclusive Screenings: We’re offering up to 8 mammograms and 4 Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) screenings during this event. Schedule early to secure your spot!
• Light Refreshments & Toasts: Enjoy light refreshments and a toast with champagne or water as we come together to celebrate health and wellness.
• Exciting Prizes: Participate in our prize draws and take home something special.
• Valuable Tips: Learn essential tips on staying on the path to wellness and prevention from our expert team.

Why Attend? This is a perfect opportunity to take charge of your breast health in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re due for your regular screening or trying ABUS for the first time, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

RSVP Today! Visit our website at www.whmcenter.com or call us at (248) 932-9223 to reserve your spot. We can’t wait to see you there!

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Birthing Baby, Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, Onsite Women’s Health, Natera, Spa 43, Guardant, Bonafide Spa Mariana, and OMA Comp.

The post Mammograms by Moonlight appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

You are invited to join us for Mammos and Mimosas on October 8th, 2022, from 8 am to noon! We will be providing screening mammograms and a refreshing mimosa. The event will be at our West Bloomfield office with a raffle and gifts to take home. Please invite your family, friends, and coworkers, especially those who have delayed their screening mammogram. No order is needed. This will be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All are welcome. Early detection is key! Representatives for skin care, massage, and genetic testing will be at the party. Let’s fight breast cancer and have some fun! Please call our office or visit our website for more details. See you there!

Grab Your Friends And Join Us For A Morning Of Mammos & Mimosas

Saturday, October 8th, 2022, 8am-Noon

Women’s Health And Menopause Center
5777 West Maple Rd #200, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322

Limited Space Available, To Reserve Your Spot, Please Call 248-932-9223 Ext. 240 And Ask For Danielle

Ages 40+

Women’s Health Fair

• Providers Available For Q&A
• BP Screening
• Chair Massage
• Pelvic Floor PT Information Available
• BRCA Screening Information

50/50 Raffle

• All The Proceeds Will Go To /Karmanos Cancer Institute

October is breast cancer awareness month.

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Women’s Health is continually looking for ways to make our patients experiences more pleasurable; such as adding the addition of our Relax Spa; as well as providing more ways to be able to improve the ease of receiving women’s healthcare. We all live hectic lives, please don’t put your health on hold. Women’s Health and Menopause Center is now offering mammograms for your convenience. Appointments are being offered beginning November 2018. Contact our office to make your appointment.

The post Women’s Health Is Scheduling Mammograms for November appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

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.

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

The post How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Breast Cancer appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

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

The post 5 Ways that 3D Mammography Is Saving & Improving the Lives of Women appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.