Conditions and Management

The possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and bring a wave of uncertainty about what the future might hold. You may wonder: Am I at risk? Should I get a breast cancer screening earlier? These are not easy questions, but they are important ones. The good news is that early detection saves lives, and knowing your personal risk can empower you to take control of your health.

Some women face a higher risk of breast cancer due to factors such as family history, genetics, certain health conditions, and lifestyle choices. Determining your personal risk level starts with knowing these factors and talking to your healthcare provider about early screening.

In this blog, we’ll help you make informed decisions about your health by looking at common risk factors of breast cancer, how to determine your personal risk, and what steps to take if you’re considered high risk.

Common Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, accounting for approximately 30% of all new female cancers annually. While all women should be mindful of their breast health, some face a higher risk often due to factors beyond their control. Recognizing these risk factors is the first step in determining whether early screening may be necessary.

Risk factors include:

• Family History of Breast Cancer – Having a sister, mother, or other close relative with breast cancer can significantly elevate your risk.
• Genetic Mutations – Inherited mutations in genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can greatly raise your likelihood of developing breast cancer.
• Personal History of Breast Abnormalities – If you’ve been diagnosed with atypical cells or had other non-cancerous breast conditions, your risk may be higher.
• Radiation Exposure at Young Age – Women who received radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 are at an increased risk.
• Lifestyle Factors – Obesity, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can all contribute to a higher breast cancer risk.
• Hormonal Influences – Factors such as early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), hormone replacement therapy, or having children later in life can all increase your risk.

If one or more of these risk factors pertains to you, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your individual risk and determine whether earlier screening is right for you.

How to Determine Your Personal Risk

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer get annual mammograms starting at age 40. Women ages 55 and older can choose to get a mammogram every other year or continue with annual mammograms. However, those at higher risk may need earlier or more frequent screenings.

Some proactive steps to take when assessing your risk include:

1. Speak with Your Healthcare Provider

A conversation with your healthcare provider is the best place to start. Your doctor can review your personal and family medical history, discuss any concerns, and help determine whether additional tests or screenings are necessary.

2. Consider Genetic Testing

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, especially if a close relative was diagnosed at a young age, your healthcare provider may recommend genetic testing. This test looks for mutations in genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly increase breast cancer risk. Other gene mutations, such as PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM, may also be evaluated.

3. Utilize Breast Cancer Assessment Tools

Healthcare providers often use various methods to estimate a person’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, such as The Gail Model, The Tyrer-Cuzick Model, and The Claus Model.

The Genius 3D Mammography is one of the latest advancements in breast cancer screening, offering state-of-the-art technology that provides greater accuracy and detects abnormalities that may go unseen in flat 2D images. The exam finds 20 to 65% more invasive breast cancers than traditional 2D mammograms and reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40%.

If your calculated risk of breast cancer is high, your healthcare provider may recommend earlier mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs, and/or other preventive strategies.

Steps to Take If You’re Considered High Risk

If you’re at a high risk for breast cancer, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in early detection and prevention. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized screening plan, which may include earlier or more frequent imaging.

Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy, staying physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking, can help lower your risk. For those at very high risk, preventative options such as risk-reducing medications (e.g. tamoxifen) or preventive surgery (e.g. mastectomy) may be considered. Knowing your options can help you make an informed decision and take control of your health.

Trust Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness for Your Breast Cancer Screening

The prospect of a breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, especially if you’re at high risk. Fortunately, knowledge is power, and early detection can save lives. If you’re at high risk of breast cancer, our team’s long-standing experience and expertise is here to support you with compassionate, patient-centered and evidence-based care.

Our all-women team understands the importance of privacy in gynecological care, and we are here to listen and help address your individual needs at any stage of life. Schedule your breast cancer screening today with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness for peace of mind.

When women are considering birth control, it is normal and healthy to have questions. While many fact sheets that accompany contraceptive methods discuss the product at length, including potential side effects, fewer provide detailed data on how the birth control product may impact a patient’s libido. Contraceptive care can have an impact on how a woman feels sexual desire. She should feel confident bringing these issues up with an OB-GYN team she trusts.

Because birth control methods can differ both in type and in how individual women receive them, changes to libido that arise in one person may have no significant impact on another, even at the same dosage. Women who want to take control of their libido should consider how birth control may be working for or against them.

Does Birth Control Harm Your Libido?

In short, birth control does not “harm” the libido. However, it can change over time. Some women report that their sexual desire decreases after beginning contraceptive care. In contrast, others find that it can increase their libido.

For the majority of women, the libido remains the same. Anyone who is concerned about how contraception may impact their sexual wellness should bring this issue to their OB-GYN, who can guide them on other options that may produce less noticeable side effects.

Why Birth Control Impacts Libido

Many mechanisms influence how birth control interacts with a woman’s sexual drive. The primary ones include:

Relationship Changes

For some women, libido may increase following the transition to contraceptive care due to the increased freedom they may enjoy in their relationships. The stress of potential pregnancy decreases, freeing women up to embrace their sexual wellness more wholly.

Gynecological Symptoms

Another reason why libido may increase after going on birth control is due to its hormonal effects (when hormonal contraceptives are the option of choice). These medications are sometimes used for other treatments besides pregnancy prevention, and women may experience relief from existing conditions such as severe bleeding during periods or pain from endometriosis. This, in turn, may make a woman’s sexual experiences more enjoyable, leading to rising libido.

Hormonal Changes

In studies, about 43% of women reported that their libido had decreased after using birth control (compared to only about 12% using non-hormonal methods). For many, this change in sexual desire likely arises from the way hormones shift after starting birth control. The hormonal compounds in many birth control options may influence the testosterone that is freely accessible by the body. With lower available testosterone, some women experienced a reduced drive.

What Can You Do About It?

Women who have experienced an undesirable change in their libido (in either direction) are encouraged to work with their gynecologist to find other options. Sometimes, simply changing the type of the contraception is enough for the body to tolerate it better. Some options for finding a good fit that does not change a woman’s libido include:

• Trying multiple compositions – Some birth control options function by introducing both estrogen and progesterone (the combination pill), while others use only progesterone (the mini-pill). For some women, these slight changes in composition can have a significant impact on their libido. It is worth switching to another type as long as it is safe to do so to see if the libido-related side effects change.
• Trying new methods – Not all hormonal birth control needs to be taken orally. There are many options, from devices inserted directly into the uterus to implants that go underneath the skin of the arm. Some women report that their libido fluctuations are less severe when they use more localized types, such as IUDs. IUDs work locally, not systemically, and their mechanism of action can help minimize side effects.
• Going non-hormonal – The origin behind libido challenges in many women is how the contraceptive impacts their hormones. This may be a great opportunity to learn more about non-hormonal contraceptive options, such as condoms and the copper IUD. These methods do not rely on hormones to prevent pregnancy; rather, they do so through other mechanisms .

Get Help From an All-Women Gynecology Team

At Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, our team understands how challenging it can be to find the right birth control option for you. That is why we are always eager to help our patients discover their best fit!

If you are experiencing changes to your libido due to contraceptives, contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss. We can educate you on alternative options so that you can take charge of your sexual health and live the life you want to live.

Contraceptive care often plays a significant role in women’s healthcare throughout their lives. Whether women are seeking to adjust their family size to their own goals or manage their fertility in ways that empower them, navigating contraception can be a challenge.

However, in some situations, standard contraceptives may not be the right choice, and this is where emergency contraceptives come in. Emergency contraception (EC) is a type of treatment that reduces the chance of pregnancy immediately after unprotected intercourse.

It is often taken when someone experiences a failure of another protection method, such as a torn condom. Women who want to make the most informed decisions about their emergency contraception options should understand when to use it and the many misunderstandings that often come along with this treatment.

The Myths and Misunderstandings of Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is often misunderstood, frequently because most women do not take it regularly. Some of the most common myths that women may encounter when researching emergency contraceptive options include:

It’s too late if you wait until the afternoon.

Many women worry that if they are not able to access emergency contraceptives right away, the treatment will no longer work. After all, it is called the “morning-after pill.” The good news is that EC can work even after 24 hours, though its effectiveness declines as time passes. Women should seek care for emergency contraception as soon as possible. Still, it often continues to work into the second and even third day.

EC is only for young people.

Any woman who ovulates is at risk of pregnancy. Because emergency contraceptives prevent the formation of a zygote (the fertilized egg) and stop it from implanting into the wall of the uterus, they can work for anyone who may become pregnant at any age. However, the same rules apply: seek care as soon as possible. EC is ineffective against a fertilized egg that implants.

You don’t need regular birth control if you use emergency contraception.

Emergency contraception is just that: for emergencies. It is not effective as a form of long-term pregnancy prevention. Other birth control methods, such as the pill, an IUD, or a cervical ring, better serve that task. Emergency contraception does not work “into the future” to prevent pregnancy, as its effectiveness decreases by the hour.

Emergency contraception only comes in pill form.

While the most common form of EC is an oral pill, a copper IUD can also serve as emergency contraception if it is placed soon enough after unprotected intercourse. The copper in the IUD destroys sperm to prevent it from reaching the egg, which means that in addition to providing emergency treatment, it can continue as a long-term form of birth control.

There is no risk of pregnancy once you take EC.

Emergency contraceptives are very effective at their job; in fact, when used optimally only 1% to 3% of women will become pregnant for each cycle. However, this means that some women get pregnant even after using an emergency contraceptive. Continue to test for pregnancy until the next menstrual cycle starts. Do not be afraid to visit your gynecologist for help!

Any form of emergency contraception can work for anyone.

Each person tolerates emergency contraception differently. Some people find that they become nauseated with the morning-after pill. In contrast, others are unwilling to sit for IUD insertion. Your gynecologist can explain the available methods and provide options to make the process as smooth and simple as possible, regardless of which type of EC you choose.

When Should You Use Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is best used as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Even an hour later is not too soon. For most women, the need for emergency contraception arises from:

• An accidentally broken condom
• A mistake in fertility planning
• Unwanted sexual contact
• Any time a woman believes her contraceptive method of choice may have failed
• Forgetting to take a daily birth control pill

Get the Contraceptive Support You Need

Emergency contraception leaves little time for women to think or do research; in the moment, the need for EC can be stressful and confusing. That’s why it is helpful for anyone at risk of pregnancy to understand the common myths and misunderstandings surrounding this type of treatment and when it is appropriate to use it.

The all-women team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is always happy to educate our patients and help them achieve their family planning goals, including halting pregnancy if that is what you want. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to receive emergency contraceptive help and make the best choice for your own well-being.

Women’s bodies change frequently throughout life, including breast tissue. While many people assume that these changes do not (or cannot) result in breast cancer until later in life, doctors detect and treat cancers of the breast tissue in young women as well. In fact, among women ages 15 to 39, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer screening remains an essential medical service for women of all ages. Still, the process may differ depending on age, medical history, and more.

If you are unsure whether you need a mammogram or what the process is for someone your age, one of the best first steps is to get informed.

Here is a basic overview of how breast cancer screenings differ by age, whether you are 20 or 70.

In Your 20s

Most young women in their 20s spend little time thinking about their breast health, but now is the time to begin. Those who have not yet become pregnant are recommended to start annual risk screenings at age 25.

Often, this means discussing breast health with a gynecologist during a yearly well-woman visit. The doctor may also do a manual exam of the breasts, and patients are encouraged to learn how to do their own self-exams at this time.

Women in their 20s who are or have been pregnant should discuss breast cancer risk with a gynecologist earlier than 25 if the pregnancy occurs before then. Hormonal changes can impact the breast tissue, so screening is a valuable tool.

In Your 30s

Once a woman reaches her 30s, she should practice self-exams alongside in-office manual checks. These will make up the bulk of her breast cancer screening habits. However, women who have a family history of breast cancer or who carry the BRCA gene (which increases breast cancer risk) may begin mammography screenings at this point.

Additionally, women in this age range who begin to experience any symptoms of potential breast cancer, such as nipples turning inward, may undergo additional screening, such as a mammogram, to check the cause behind the symptoms.

In Your 40s

For most women, their 40s is their introduction to getting mammograms. Annual screenings become the norm at this stage. However, the type of mammogram will vary depending on geographic location, health history, and more. Some facilities rely on 3D machines, others use 2D imaging, and some use a combination of both.

In between mammograms, continue to conduct self-exams of the breast. In addition, be sure to schedule visits to the gynecologist on the appropriate schedule, where they can also conduct a non-imaging breast exam. With all of these efforts combined, women identify breast cancer incidence more often than if they only rely on self-exams or mammography alone.

In Your 50s and 60s

A woman’s risk of breast cancer tends to increase over time. A woman’s 50s and 60s are when this rise becomes steeper. While around one in 204 women under age 40 will develop breast cancer, as many as one in 28 may face a diagnosis by their 60s.

This makes mammography non-negotiable during this period. Women’s breast tissue becomes less dense as they age, making mammograms more effective in detecting breast cancer. Sometimes follow-up imaging is recommended and while follow-ups do not necessarily indicate an issue, they can confirm (or clear) potential problem areas.

70 Years Old and Beyond

The highest risk of breast cancer presents from age 70 onwards, with one in 24 women in this age group facing this challenge. However, some medical professionals recommend ceasing mammogram screenings at age 74.

Reasons vary and include the increasing potential for overdiagnosis, which may itself pose more risk than the cancer. However, mammograms do continue to locate breast cancer in individuals over the age of 70. Thus, it is essential to consider this decision carefully and discuss it with a medical provider to determine whether breast cancer screening at age 70 onward is the right choice for a specific patient.

Get Screened No Matter Your Age

While breast cancer screenings differ by age, what is most important is that each person takes charge of their health and continues to monitor their breast tissue throughout their lifetime. Whether you are 20 years old or 80, your breast tissue will continue to change.

The professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness can help you monitor these changes and identify any potentially problematic developments based on a screening regimen that is right for you. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to schedule your mammogram!

Cancer is unpredictable; some people may be more prone to it due to genetics, while others develop it in relation to lifestyle habits such as smoking. Both innate genetic expression and everyday decisions come together to impact breast health, which can be a good thing because it means that individuals can make smart choices to decrease their chances of getting cancer.

One of the best things anyone can do to reduce their cancer risk (besides getting regular mammograms!) is to incorporate regular exercise into their weekly routine. For those at risk of breast cancer (and that is both men and women!), exercise can support breast health and reduce cancer risk at the same time.

There are multiple reasons for this association between moving the body and limiting cancer risk, from how insulin is processed to the role of body fat in estrogen production. Whether a person is still in their teens or approaching retirement, it is useful to understand how exercise can support breast health and decrease cancer risk.

The Exercise-Insulin Connection

There are many reasons why exercising can reduce the risk of breast cancer. One of the most salient aspects is how exercise interacts with insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas in order to control how much sugar is present in the blood.

Exercise helps to regulate the insulin production cycle, reducing the development of insulin resistance. This is an essential connection, because insulin resistance is known for its correlation with breast cancer.

It can disrupt hormones, and imbalanced insulin can promote increased cell production. When more cells are being produced, there is a greater likelihood that one or more of them will replicate incorrectly, leading to cancerous growth. By exercising, individuals can keep their insulin levels stable to reduce this risk.

Moderating Estrogen with Activity

Another reason that exercise is correlated with a lower breast cancer risk is because regular movement helps to regulate estrogen production. Estrogen is associated with the tissue growth within the breast, so excess estrogen can lead to rapidly duplicating cells in the breast tissue.

As with insulin, cells that replicate quickly mathematically increase the likelihood of a cell developing incorrectly. Exercise decreases the amount of sex hormones circulating in the body, altering the ratios of specific estrogens (those that contribute to breast cancer development and those that protect against it).

Lowering Body Fat

Most people know that exercise can help them burn calories and, by extension, fat. Lowering body fat is a great way to decrease cancer risk, as fat is a primary producer of estrogen.

While exercise can improve estrogen levels, as noted previously, this impact is compounded by simultaneously decreasing fatty tissue in the body. As an added benefit, lowering the ratio of fat (and especially visceral fat around the organs) has other health benefits beyond cancer risk reduction!

Boosting Immune Function

The many cells within the immune system are the body’s innate defenders, and they can target cancerous cells in the earliest stages, as long as they can find them. Exercise facilitates this process by moving lymph throughout the body.

Lymph is the fluid within the body that carries important immune protectors, such as white blood cells, throughout the body’s tissues. Because of the forces exerted during exercise that get the heart pumping and the muscles contracting, lymph is pushed throughout the body at a higher rate than when sedentary.

This helps more immune cells circulate to even the far reaches of the tissues, where they can identify (and destroy) cancerous cells more efficiently.

Attitude and Inspiration

While exercise has plenty of tangible physical benefits, it also offers some less quantifiable advantages for patients seeking to avoid breast cancer development. When people exercise, their mood tends to improve, and over time, developing one health habit in the form of exercise can contribute to other smart choices.

Taking care of oneself is a series of decisions over an entire lifetime. Therefore, those who exercise are more likely to make smart health choices in other areas, such as regularly scheduling mammograms and actively participating in their healthcare. This helps to catch cancer early while it is still highly treatable.

Embrace Exercise as Part of Breast Cancer Prevention

Some components of breast cancer development are found in a person’s genes, which is why regular testing is so important. However, other contributing factors are left in the hands of individuals, which is an empowering thought!

By choosing to incorporate exercise into your weekly routine, you can target multiple elements correlated with an increased breast cancer risk to mitigate your odds.

One smart choice among these decisions is to schedule your regular mammograms so any issues can be caught early. Contact Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness today to schedule your mammography scan!