Comprehensive Breast Care Services
From prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment and wellness, breast specialists at Piedmont Oncology offer patients the personalized care they need. We believe the best approach to beating breast cancer is to lower the risk of developing the disease.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
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Being female and being older
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Family history of breast cancer
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Period starting before age 12
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Entering menopause at 55 or older
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Having your first child after age 30
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Having no children
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Having more than one alcoholic drink per day
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Having dense breast tissue
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Hormone replacement therapy
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Obesity/being overweight
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Physical inactivity
Lowering Cancer Risk Through Prevention
The American Cancer Society lists several steps you can take to lower your risk of breast cancer. These lifestyle changes include:
Monthly Self-Examination
Conducting a self-exam each month helps women take a proactive approach to knowing their bodies and more quickly identify any changes.
How to Examine Your Breasts
Follow this procedure once a month, about one week after your period, when breasts are less tender and swollen. After menopause, check your breasts on the first day of each month (to make the date easy to remember).
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Before a Mirror
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Examine your breasts while standing in front of a mirror with your arms down by your side, then again with your arms raised high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour of each breast and any unusual swelling, dimpling or changes in each nipple.
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Lying Down
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Place a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Placing your right hand under your head, use the flattened fingertips of your left hand to press gently, moving your hand clockwise in small circular motions around the outer part of the breast. Then move toward the nipple and repeat the same circular motions, moving closer to the center with each full circle. Follow the same procedure to examine the left breast. Finally, gently squeeze the nipple of each breast between your thumb and index finger, looking for any discharge.
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Report Changes
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If you discover something during your self-examination, report it to your doctor as soon as possible. But don't panic—most breast lumps or changes are not cancer. However, only your doctor can make that diagnosis.
Annual Clinical Examination
An annual breast examination by your doctor is an important part of a yearly physical examination. For an appointment with a primary care doctor or gynecologist near you, visit our provider directory.
Early Detection through Mammography
Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to look for abnormalities in breast tissue that could indicate the presence of breast cancer. Piedmont Oncology provides the most advanced imaging technology.
At Piedmont, while we support annual mammograms starting at age 40, we recommend a personalized approach to mammogram screening recommendations.
After reviewing your individual health and specific risk factors, our specialists will determine when an initial and follow-up mammogram should be scheduled.
Consult with your primary care doctor to determine your personal guidelines for mammogram scheduling.
Schedule Your Annual Mammogram
Piedmont Healthcare has convenient mammogram locations across Georgia. Schedule your annual mammogram today.
SCHEDULE NOW