Why Early Detection is Important

You may notice that more people are wearing pink this month in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, which accounts for more than 182,00 women.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we know that early detection is key in treating this disease. So let’s take this opportunity to learn how certain steps for early detection can better our health:

Catching breast cancer early when it is localized means you are more likely to prevent it from spreading. Whether you go for yearly mammograms or routinely follow the five steps of a breast self-exam, you can significantly improve the chances of early diagnosis. At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we recommend the following guidelines:

• Women over the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram, which can detect up to two years before the tumor can be felt by your doctor.

• Women in their 20s or 30s should have a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) around every three years as part of their annual medical checkup.

• Women over the age of 20 should perform a breast self exam monthly to help you recognize changes in the body.

Being able to detect early signs calls for a more successful treatment. Research shows that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more curable it can be. This is because the disease is simpler to treat when located in one spot. With that being said, take time this month to start becoming more aware of what your body is trying to tell you.
 
At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we pride ourselves in the multitude of services and procedures that we offer to our patients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Our team is committed to providing exceptional services by using state of the art technologies while upholding our traditional values of caring and quality.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.