Conditions and Management

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!

Breast health is impacted by various factors: lifestyle, diet, genetics, and more. While some aspects are under a woman’s control, not all contributors to breast cancer and other abnormalities are the result of voluntary decisions.

One such genetic factor is hormones, chemical messengers that travel through the body to activate or deactivate specific processes. A woman’s hormones play a significant role in her risk of breast cancer and the way her breast tissue develops and changes throughout life.

While hormones are not necessarily within a patient’s control, knowing how they work and their role in breast health is a great way to stay informed. Patients who actively engage with their medical care are more likely to see better medical outcomes and approach their appointments more confidently.

Here is an overview of the main hormones that impact breast health.

Estrogen/Progesterone

Estrogen (and its related hormone, progesterone) is the main reproductive hormone found in women. While men have estrogen as well, it is higher in women because it and progesterone are tied to bodily functions such as conception and pregnancy.

While these hormones serve an essential role, they are a significant contributing factor to why one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. In contrast, one in 726 men are diagnosed with the same.

Insulin

The pancreas is the organ responsible for making insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. A consistently high level of insulin (that is, insulin that is poorly regulated due to issues such as untreated diabetes) is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

This contributing factor occurs because insulin inhibits the production of sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein that captures excess estrogen and prevents cells from absorbing it. When insulin is too high, estrogen is not controlled properly, contributing to greater breast cancer risk.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone that naturally waxes and wanes in women depending on their life stage. It is responsible for breast growth and can stimulate milk production and cessation of menstrual cycles during pregnancy.

High levels of prolactin, especially in postmenopausal women, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This connection is tied to how prolactin can facilitate cell growth, which may also promote faster growth of potentially problematic cells.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is most widely known as the “happy” hormone, and it impacts not just mood but also pregnancy-related behaviors such as milk production.

Studies are mixed on its role in breast cancer; some indicate that oxytocin can be protective against breast tumor growth, while others demonstrate that it is a cell proliferator, causing tissues to grow quickly (which can support cancer growth). Oxytocin likely performs both roles, influencing how cancer progresses, not whether it occurs in the first place.

Luteinizing Hormone

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and tells the body when and how to conduct the menstrual cycle, including when the egg is released from the ovary. Studies indicate that breast cancer tissue typically contains a higher level of LH than other body tissues.

While a blood test for luteinizing hormone does not constitute a reliable method of breast cancer testing, tissue sampling does. This means that while LH may contribute to breast cancer, it is also an effective method of testing for small or hidden cancerous tissues that may not appear clearly on a mammogram.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

In some women, breast cancer development can be tied to diethylstilbestrol, an estrogen variant that was used between 1940 and 1971 as a potential treatment for reproductive-related medical issues, such as miscarriage and premature labor.

Any women who were treated with diethylstilbestrol face an increased risk of breast cancer. In addition, their daughters are also at greater risk not just of breast cancer but of cancers of the cervix and vagina as well.

Studies are currently reporting that even their granddaughters face an increased risk of cancer due to genetic exposure todiethylstilbestrol.

It is essential for women to maintain a complete family medical history whenever possible to identify cancer-contributing factors such as diethylstilbestrol usage.

Get Regular Breast Exams Throughout Life

Hormones play an irreplaceable role in the body. They can also contribute to cancer development, especially when they are out of balance. Routine gynecologic visits and annual mammograms arethe best way to stay informed about potential issues before they worsen.

The Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness team seeks to empower patients with the knowledge they need to confidently manage their breast health. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule your next mammogram!

Regular doctor visits are essential for maintaining well-being and good health. However, did you know that some examinations are possible at home? Women should regularly conduct breast self-exams as a supplement to their regular gynecological visits to protect their breast health and catch issues early.

Conducting a self-exam is simple once you understand how. It can be done any time, any day, with no special preparation, so many women create a habit of checking monthly or even weekly.

Here is important information on why regular breast self-exams can make a difference, what to look for, and how to conduct an exam from the comfort of your own home.

Why Conduct Regular Self-Exams?

Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality in women; more than 300,000 new cases of breast cancer arise every year in the U.S., and over the course of a lifetime, a woman has around a1 in 8 chance of developing this disease. Of the types of cancer that women can get, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death.

To get ahead of any potential cancerous developments, women should conduct regular breast self-exams. This allows them to become familiar with how their normal breast tissue feels. In turn, they may be able toidentify potentially cancerous masses in their earliest stages.

Failing to conduct regular breast exams, both at home and with a professional, can lead to undetected breast cancer growth. If a malignant nodule spreads (metastasizes), it can lead to cancer in other parts of the body, making treatment more complex and less successful on average.

How to Do a Breast Self-Exam

Breast self-examinations are not a difficult or time-consuming practice! In fact, many women choose to do a quick exam every time they shower or go to bed because it only takes a few minutes.

First, think of your breast as a clock. Using the pads of your fingers, glide your hand downward from 12 o’clock (at the collarbone) toward the nipple, feeling the breast tissue slowly as you go.

Next, repeat this motion using a different level of pressure. It is ideal to feel each area multiple times using light, medium, and firm pressure to check multiple depths of breast tissue.

Once you have thoroughly checked the 12 o’clock line, move on to 1 o’clock and repeat the process until you have gone in a complete circle around the breast.

Be sure to feel the areas around the collarbone, ribs, and armpit, as breast cancer does not solely develop in the meaty portion of the breast near the nipple.

In addition to the manual exam, be sure to look at the breasts visually from time to time—such as before you get in the shower.

Check to see if one is notably larger than the other (and this is new for you) or if one has changed in shape or appearance. Dimpling or nipples that are turning inward are also things to note.

What Is Normal (And What Is Not)

When conducting a breast self-exam, it is common to worry about what you feel—especially if this is your first time carefully touching your breast tissue and you are unfamiliar with the sensation. Some of the things you may notice that are normal are:

• Regular elevation changes as you press. This likely indicates that you are feeling your upper ribs.
• Textural changes, especially if you examine regularly. Breast tissue can become more fibrous during certain phases of the monthly cycle.
• Long, firm lumps. The ribs can mimic concerning lumps, but they extend sideways and remain the same over time.

Once you get an idea of what is normal for your breast tissue, you can begin to find abnormalities. Indicators that you should see a gynecologist include:

• Hard knots or lumps
• Warmth or swelling
• A patch that feels different than the surrounding tissue (for example, thicker or fuller)
• Bulges or dimples
• Itchiness, sores, or rashes similar to hives
• New or bloody discharge from the nipples
• Nipple changes (for example, shape or orientation)

Schedule Your Regular Checkup to Protect Your Health

Breast self-examinations are the first line of defense for women to catch potential breast cancer early. The good news is that many lumps and bumps are normal, or benign, meaning they will not become cancer.

If you believe that something is unusual with your breasts, schedule an appointment with a professional as soon as possible. You can also schedule your annual exam as a great opportunity to check on your health and confirm that your breast tissue is normal.

This gives you a solid baseline for how your breast tissue should feel. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to schedule your next appointment or ask questions.

Mammograms are one of the best tools available for early detection of breast cancer, which gives you the highest chances for successful treatment. However, misconceptions about mammogram effectiveness, necessity, safety, and more keep some people from getting this potentially lifesaving screening.

Let’s explore some common mammogram myths so you can make informed decisions about your breast health.

Myth 1: I Don’t Need Mammograms Without Family History or Symptoms

Most women who get breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease. And by the time symptoms appear, the cancer may be advanced. That’s why screening mammograms are essential for all women beginning at age 40.

The American College of Radiology recommends that women at average risk take mammograms yearly starting at 40. Their advice holds even if you have no family history or symptoms.

Over 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women with no affected relatives. And when cancers grow large enough to cause noticeable changes in the breast, they are more likely to require aggressive treatment. Early detection from regular screening offers the best survivability odds.

Myth 2: Mammograms Expose You to Unsafe Radiation

The radiation dose from mammograms falls well within safe guidelines. And the benefits of early cancer detection through routine screening outweigh the risks.

It’s natural to have some concerns about radiation from X-rays. However, mammograms use very low doses that equate to around seven weeks of exposure to natural background radiation.

That’s why governing agencies consistently deem them safe for breast cancer screening—catching tumors when small, localized, and highly treatable saves lives. So as long as you visit accredited mammography centers, any radiation risk is negligible compared to the advantages of routine scans.

Myth 3: Thermography is a Radiation-Free Alternative

Thermography should never replace mammograms for breast cancer screening. It lacks evidence showing effectiveness for early detection.

Some clinics market thermography as a “radiation-free” way to detect breast tumors with heat-sensor imaging. However, scientific data fails to support substituting it for mammography.

Thermographic scans remain extremely poor at identifying most early-stage cancers. They also have high false positive rates that lead to needless worry and extra testing.

That’s why the FDA approves thermography only as a supplemental tool alongside standard mammogram screening. For optimal early detection, digital and 3D mammography should remain the first-line screening techniques.

Myth 4: Breast Self-Exams Are Better Than Mammograms

Research no longer endorses formal monthly self-exams for breast cancer detection. Mammograms vastly outperform self-exams at finding small tumors.

There was once enthusiasm for teaching women strict palpation techniques to probe their breasts seeking lumps each month. However, studies found that these structured self-exams failed to lower mortality compared to routine screening mammograms.

In truth, more than 80% of suspicious lumps are first discovered on mammograms rather than noticed by women doing self-checks.

Breast tissue often appears evenly textured, even if microscopic cancerous changes are brewing underneath. That’s why mammographic imaging serves as the gold standard for early detection.

Myth 5: All Mammograms Are Equally Effective

Three-dimensional mammography, called breast tomosynthesis, surpasses standard 2D scans to detect cancers early. Traditional film or digital mammography produces two-dimensional, flat images of breast tissue.

However, overlapping densities can obscure tiny tumors or mimic troubling structures. 3D scans take multiple photos from different angles, allowing radiologists to distinguish fine details at varying tissue depths.

This improves sensitivity for pinpointing even tiny cancers and reduces false positive recall rates. For women with dense breasts, 3D mammography boosts detection by 21% compared to 2D alone.

Myth 6: Callbacks Mean You Probably Have Cancer

Only around 8–10% of women asked to return for more testing following abnormal mammogram findings are later diagnosed with breast cancer.

Being summoned back for additional images or ultrasound after your routine mammogram understandably fuels anxieties about what could be wrong. But benign explanations for questionable findings generally outnumber actual cancers.

Extra views allow radiologists to examine the area closer and verify that normal overlapping tissue isn’t hiding an early tumor.

Needle biopsies are also frequently performed to sample suspect spots that prove noncancerous. Staying vigilant through imaging follow-ups often catches true problems extremely early.

Myth 7: Normal Mammogram Last Year Means You’re Safe to Skip This Year

What was normal last year may look different this year, so annual exams are essential for detecting any changes very early on.

It feels reassuring to hear “no evidence of cancer” year after year on mammogram reports. However, those results reflect screenings done at single moments in time. Tumors and precancerous cell changes can begin growing the very next day after a routine scan.

That’s why yearly imaging offers advantages. Comparing new films with older ones allows radiologists to notice indications that cancer is newly developing or spreading. Don’t leave gaps in surveillance if you want the best chances to fight breast disease.

Myth 8: Mammograms Prevent Breast Cancer

While extremely useful for early detection, mammography does not prevent tumors from initially forming, and it cannot diagnose all breast diseases.

No breast cancer screening methods lower the actual risk of tumors developing in the first place. Mammograms excel at pinpointing cancers long before physical symptoms arise. This allows treatment while cells are still localized and non-aggressive.

However, a portion of breast malignancies grow in patterns that are undetectable by imaging until later stages. That’s why self-awareness of skin changes remains important between regular screening mammograms. Routine imaging is an early warning radar system, not a foolproof shield against disease.

Trust Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness for Accurate Mammogram Guidance

Staying on top of recommended mammogram screenings is among the most meaningful health investments you can make. Don’t allow misguided myths about radiation hazards, effectiveness, or necessity prevent you from monitoring breast wellness.

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness provides compassionate, evidence-based counseling on appropriate mammography timelines to give you the best protection. Contact us at (919) 636-6670 or book an appointment online to discuss a screening schedule attuned to your unique risk factors and wellness priorities.

A mammogram is an important screening tool that uses low-dose X-rays to detect breast cancer early when it can be most easily treated.

Knowing what to anticipate can help you feel more prepared and at ease when going for your first mammogram or annual screening.

What Happens During the Appointment

When you arrive at the imaging center, you’ll be asked to complete some paperwork about your health history, including any family history of breast cancer.

Be ready to provide details on the date of your last mammogram and where it was done, any breast biopsies or surgeries, and if you have breast implants.

Only you and a trained technologist will be in the exam room when it’s time for the mammogram. Here’s a quick look at what is likely to happen:

• You’ll be requested to remove your clothes from the waist up and put on a hospital gown.
• The tech will place your breasts one at a time onto the platform of the mammography machine. Your breast will be compressed between two plastic plates for a few seconds while the images are generated.
• The technologist compresses the breast tissue to spread it evenly and reduce radiation exposure. Although the compression can be uncomfortable, remind yourself that it lasts just seconds per image.
• Multiple images are generated of each of your breasts from varying angles. Take deep, relaxing breaths, and do your best to stay still until you’re done.
• Once the technologist confirms all images are complete, the appointment takes about 10 minutes. You’ll put your clothes back on and head out.

Tips to Make It More Comfortable

Here are some pointers to help make your mammogram experience as easy as possible:

• Schedule an appointment when your breasts are less sensitive, if possible. For most women, avoiding the week before your period is best.
• If you choose, take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen an hour before the mammogram.
• Avoid wearing anything such as lotion, deodorant, or powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the test, as they can create artifacts on the images.
• Consider wearing pants and a top instead of a dress, so you only need to remove your shirt and bra.
• Take slow, relaxing breaths, and relax your muscles when your breasts are compressed. Tensing up often makes it feel worse.
• Let the technologist know if you’re having severe discomfort so they can shift the plates slightly.

What to Expect After Your Mammogram

After your mammogram, a doctor, known as a radiologist, will carefully examine all the X-ray images for any areas of concern. If you had a routine annual screening mammogram, it can take up to 2 weeks to receive your results. However, facilities aim to deliver results much sooner when possible.

If you don’t hear anything within 10 to 14 days after your screening mammogram, don’t assume that no news is good news. Call your doctor’s office to follow up. Here’s some guidance on the common mammogram outcomes you could receive:

Normal/Negative Results

A normal (or negative) mammogram result means the radiologist did not identify any cancer or other breast abnormalities. Benign findings such as cysts or calcifications may appear, but they are not dangerous.

With normal results, you resume your annual mammogram screening based on the timeline recommended for your age and risk factors. Make sure your information is current at the imaging center you visit so you receive reminder notices when your next exam is due.

Inconclusive Results

Sometimes, the quality of mammogram images makes it hard for the radiologist to tell if an area needs further assessment. This may happen if your breasts are denser or you moved during the test. If your results are inconclusive, you’ll be contacted and asked to return for repeat images of the concerning region.

The repeat mammogram appointment focuses on getting clearer, more detailed pictures of the part of your breast tissue that needs additional evaluation. This localized, problem-focused imaging may suffice. But depending on what the extra mammogram views reveal, you might need an ultrasound or other imaging, too.

Abnormal Results

Abnormal results mean there is a region of breast tissue or calcifications that looks questionable and warrants a closer analysis. When this occurs, your mammogram report will state that you need “further diagnostic work-up” or “additional imaging.” If you receive a certified letter stating this, it understandably sparks anxiety.

The Most Common Next Steps After an Abnormal Mammogram Result

If your screening mammogram yields abnormal results, additional imaging or testing may be recommended to examine the area more closely. Don’t panic, though—many abnormalities are benign. Follow-up appointments allow specialists to determine whether concerning spots are problematic or harmless.

The most common next steps after an abnormal mammogram result include:

Diagnostic Mammogram

This special mammogram takes more pictures to precisely re-examine any regions causing concern about the screening mammogram. A doctor is present to make sure thorough images are taken of the area from multiple angles.

Breast Ultrasound

Soundwave technology checks suspicious spots for fluid-filled cysts versus solid masses. Ultrasound also assesses blood flow within abnormalities.

MRI Scan

Contrast dye is injected, and several X-ray images are generated as it flows through the breast tissue. This dynamic imaging lets radiologists assess abnormalities three-dimensionally. It also charts microcalcifications.

Biopsy

Cells or tissue are extracted from abnormal areas of the breast with a hollow needle or incision so they can be analyzed under the microscope. This is the only way to confirm if cancerous cells are present. If cancer is discovered, your doctor will discuss how you should proceed.

Keep Your Breasts Healthy With Mammograms and Assistance From Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness

Staying on top of recommended breast cancer screening through annual mammograms is essential to keep yourself safe. Don’t let myths or anxiety over callbacks stop you from undergoing this potentially lifesaving exam.

Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness specialists offer thoughtful guidance each step of the way to reduce confusion and worry. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or online to discuss a mammogram schedule personalized to your risk profile and wellness priorities.