October is upon us and as the trees start turning beautiful shades of reds, oranges, and yellows, another color shines as the definition of the fall season: PINK.
October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. More than likely you have started seeing pink ribbons on TV, on the internet, or in print advertisements. As businesses shed their usual color schemes for pink versions of their logos, at Meadows Surgical Arts we would like to take a moment to discuss breast cancer as it pertains to you.
Over 220,000 new breast cancer diagnoses are made every year, and 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. However, knowing the early signs, undergoing appropriate screening, and performing self-breast exams can help catch these cancers at a very early stage.
In this day and age, with internet rumors catching like wildfire, myths about breast cancer have scared patients. For example, have you heard the myth about antiperspirants and deodorants causing breast cancer? Or the myth about mammograms causing breast cancer to spread with the compression of breasts during the exam, or with their dangerous levels of radiation? Neither of these myths are true. Let’s dispel some more myths, shall we?
Myth: Breast cancer is a fatal disease that kills all patients diagnosed.
Fact: Most breast cancers are caught in the early stage of the disease. While breast cancer diagnoses are on the rise, mortality from breast cancer is decreasing every year due to detecting the disease at an early stage.
Myth: Finding a breast lump is a sure sign you have breast cancer.
Fact: Only a small percentage of breast masses turn out to be cancer. However, if you have noticed a lump that is persistent or has changed in size or shape, notify your physician.
Women over the age of 40 should undergo a yearly screening mammogram to check for the early stages of breast cancer. A radiologist will read your mammogram and assign a grade from 0 – 5. If you receive a grade of 4 or 5, a biopsy may be necessary.
Dr. Meadows and his team are well-versed in ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. At Meadows Surgical Arts, we have the latest tools and expertise to assist in your breast cancer journey from diagnosis to prognosis. Following a pathology confirmation of breast cancer, Dr. Meadows offers patients both minimally invasive breast cancer surgery (breast conserving therapy and sentinel lymph node biopsy) as well as mastectomy with naturally beautiful reconstruction. The route you choose is up to you.
Your experience will include accurate screening, appropriate diagnosis, and compassionate, patient-centered care with the breast cancer team at Meadows Surgical Arts.
Think PINK, and call (706) 335-3555 (Commerce) or (678) 541-0339 (Buford) to schedule your breast cancer screening appointment.
