Where to Get a Breast Examination in Cartersville

Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram.

"In an effort to encourage all women to take proactive steps to care for themselves and preserve their health," The Women’s Center at Cartersville Medical Center is offering digital mammograms at a reduced $49 in October and through the end of the year. The normal charge is $99, so that's 50 percent off, but a separate physician reading fee will apply, according to the press release. Extended hours and weekend appointments are available during October.

The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some point in a woman's life is approximately 1 in 8.  Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in women and one of the leading causes of cancer death in women of all races and Hispanic population.  There are currently about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

"This special rate meets the need for affordable mammography screenings in our community, which is an important factor in overall women’s health," Melanie Vanhorn, Women’s Center supervisor, said in a statement. "We are excited to offer this opportunity to the women of our community."

Extended hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 25, and on Saturday, Oct. 13, and Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. until noon. To schedule your reduced-rate mammogram, call 855-828-5136.

Mammograms at CMC, gold-seal accredited by the American College of Radiology, are performed on state-of-the-art mammography equipment. But the key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely—once is not enough. Women should have their baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 and screening mammograms every other year for ages 40 to 50.  After age 50, screening mammograms are recommended annually.

Going for an exam can be nerve-wracking. To better understand the importance of exams, here's helpful information that explains the process, when you should go and why:

Breast self-exams

There has been a lot of heated debate in the research and medical communities about the usefulness of breast self-exams in detecting breast cancer in the early stages. One cancer research organization has even said it’s a myth.

The American Cancer Society’s guidelines state that women don’t need to do these exams irregularly, let alone regularly.

So, does that mean you shouldn’t do those breast self-exams in the shower anymore? Well, not quite.

There is enough compelling data to indicate that self-exams are still effective in helping us stay aware of any changes that may be a cause for concern. But the American Cancer Society also recommends a new technique based on expert opinion and research that helps improve breast awareness.

The major difference between this technique and the traditional one is that this one is done lying down, not standing up. Experts say it’s easier to feel breast tissue this way as it spreads more evenly and is at its thinnest.

The next step is to place your right arm behind your head and use three different levels of pressure to feel all of the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin, medium pressure to feel a little deeper, and firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.

Move around the breast in an up-and-down pattern, starting at an imaginary line drawn straight down your side from the underarm. Move across the breast to the middle of the chest bone or breast bone.

Placing your left arm over your head, repeat this process for the other breast.

The next part needs to be done standing up. Check for the following issues while standing in front of the mirror. Place your hands firmly on your hips during this procedure.

• A lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sores or rashes on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

Finally, raise your underarm to check for any soreness or pain. And that’s it! You’re done for this month!

Clinical breast exams

The next type of breast exam is not optional and should be done regularly. It’s called the clinical breast exam. This basically means getting your breasts checked by a qualified health professional like a nurse or a doctor.

It's a great way to ensure that everything’s okay, as well as an opportunity to discuss wellness options with your doctor and ask questions, address concerns and clarify doubts. You can also review your self-examination technique and get important feedback.

If you’re in your 20s and 30s, the American Cancer Society recommends that you understand the importance of the clinical breast exam and make sure that it’s part of your periodic health check. You should preferably undergo an exam once every three years.

Mammograms

However, after the age of 40, it’s important for women to undergo annual mammogram screenings. A mammogram is basically an X-ray of your breast. It’s especially useful in cases where there appear to be no breast problems. Mammogram screenings have proven to be most effective in breast cancer detection and are thus an important part of any breast cancer awareness program.

If you haven’t done these tests yet, get started now! Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can find reasonably priced and convenient options for mammograms and clinical breast exams.

In Cartersville, you can learn more about breast cancer at Get Your Pink On!, a free breast cancer awareness event set for Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m., at the Clarence Brown Conference Center.

It'll feature awareness, diagnosis and treatment resources and information; pampering activities; individual fun photo sessions; entertainment; breast cancer patient stories; refreshments; beauty tips; door prizes; and a special take-home paint-it-yourself party favor. The first 150 to arrival also will get a free pair of pink socks.

To register for Get Your Pink On!, call MedLine at 800-242-5662.

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