Breast Health

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer (after skin cancer) in women today, currently affecting more than 3 million women. That’s a big reason to maintain your breast health with the help of your expert OB/GYN at New England Women’s Healthcare in Woburn, Wakefield, and Wilmington, Massachusetts. Click the online scheduler or call the office to make your appointment today.

When do I need a clinical breast exam?

It depends on your specific situation and needs. This simple exam is a good way to check for lumps or other problems in your breasts, but it doesn’t replace mammograms. Your New England Women’s Healthcare OB/GYN will recommend a specific schedule for you.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that women age 25-39 may need a clinical breast exam every 1-3 years, and women 40 and up should have annual exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have a mammogram?

A mammogram, which is essentially an X-ray image of your breast tissue, is an excellent tool for breast cancer detection because it can sometimes show breast cancer up to three years before you can feel it as a lump.

The exact time to start mammograms depends on your risk factors and your specific situation. Most women need to have their first mammogram at age 40. After that, your New England Women’s Healthcare OB/GYN will recommend a schedule for you.

Most women over 40 need mammograms every 1-2 years, but if your cancer risk level is high, you may need more frequent mammograms.

How often should I do a breast health self-exam at home?

Your OB/GYN at New England Women’s Healthcare will recommend a specific self-exam schedule for you. Most women need to do a breast self-exam once a month, but you may need to do so even more frequently if you have a high risk for breast cancer or a history of cancer.

What if I have a lump in my breast?

Call New England Women’s Healthcare right away so your OB/GYN can help. Typically, your OB/GYN performs a clinical breast exam, then schedules another mammogram along with an ultrasound to get a detailed look at the lump. In some cases, you may also need an MRI, molecular breast imaging, and biopsy to check the lump for cancer.

When you have a lump in your breast, a swift response is absolutely crucial. Using the sophisticated medical diagnostic tools and treatments available today, your skilled OB/GYN can help you deal with a breast lump in the most effective and safest way possible.

Use the online scheduler or call New England Women’s Healthcare to get help with breast health today.