Recurring breast pain might be cause for a doctor’s visit.
Breast pain (Mastalgia) is a confusing and troubling issue for many women. It is characterized by pain and tenderness that may occur during your period or not seem to follow any pattern at all. (more…)
Getting a mammogram can almost be considered one of the rites of passage in any woman’s life. If you’re about to go for your first mammogram, it might be helpful to know what’s in store so you can prepare. Knowing what is involved may also help you to think of questions to ask your doctor during the process. (more…)
Breast cancer awareness is everywhere today—as it rightly should be. Breast cancer affects about 1 out of every 8 women in the United States during their lifetime and 232,000 new cases are identified every year. It’s no secret: breast cancer can be a killer. You probably know at least one woman (or man) who has battled the disease, or maybe you’ve been there yourself.
The medical community continues to research breast cancer and works tirelessly to find better ways to identify and treat the disease. According to new research conducted by the Mayo Clinic, there may be cause for doctors to change yet another breast cancer screening tool to help identify potential cancers early. The biopsy is a procedure that uses a needle to collect cells from a mass inside the breast. These cells are then studied to determine their type and what risk they may carry for breast cancer later. (more…)
Did you know that 40% of breast cancer cases are discovered by women who felt lumps during self-exams? It doesn’t matter if cancer runs in your family or not. Every adult woman over the age of 20 should do a monthly breast self-exam.
While mammograms do help in early detection of cancer before lumps form, breast self-exams help you to become accustomed to what is normal for your breasts so you can let your doctor know if anything looks or feels different.
Self-exams should not be a substitute for mammograms, screening and other detection, but combined with routine medical care, they can give you an advantage that could save your life. (more…)
Women have been telling their doctors for years that they have hormonal headaches and not every doctor was on board with the theory that the two were related. But now, we have hard evidence from researchers that backs what many patients have been saying–migraines are linked to hormonal events–especially menopause. (more…)
Vaginal dryness is an extremely common condition that can affect women of any age but most commonly targets old women–those who are postmenopausal (have stopped having periods). Many women shy away from discussing the topic with their doctor, but diagnosing and treating the condition is simple. (more…)