WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER SCREENING AND EARLY DETECTION

Screening tests are used to find breast cancer before it causes any warning signs or symptoms. If you screen early, your likelihood of finding breast cancer early is higher. Regular screening tests (along with follow-up tests and treatment if diagnosed) reduce your chance of dying from breast cancer.

When you make an appointment with your doctor to test for breast cancer, you can expect to have a screening test that includes a clinical breast exam and mammography. Women who may be at a higher risk for breast cancer may be consulted to have a MRI test done in addition.

Breast cancer screening is important for all women, especially Ashkenazi Jewish women (women who carry the BRCA1 gene). In this case, you may need to be screened earlier and more often then other women.

Breast cancer screening is only recommended for some men at very high risk due to an inherited gene mutation or a strong family history of breast cancer.

 

IF YOU FIND A LUMP

It’s recommended that women do a monthly at-home self-exam routine. If you feel a lump in your breast during your routine, don’t panic! Most lumps are not breast cancer, but something much less serious, such as a benign (not cancerous) breast condition.

However, if you find a lump, it is best to see a doctor to be sure it is not breast cancer.

 

HOW WE’RE HELPING

American Friends of Rabin Medical Center hosts the annual NYC 5K SCHLEP: Breast & Ovarian Cancer Run / Walk that brings together hundreds of participants from the New York tri-state area to raise the hopes of those battling breast and ovarian cancer as well as awareness and funds to help further critical research and treatment.

Registration: Adult runner/walker – $36, Youth runner/walker (18 years old and under) – $18. All cancer survivors run / walk for free!

Register yourself or create your team today at www.afrmc.kintera.org/schlep17 OR  Reach us at 212-279-2522 or by email at afrmc@afrmc.org.

 

See photos from last year’s NYC 5k SCHLEP!

2016 NYC 5k SCHLEP Video Highlights