Breast cancer

What is breast cancer?
 

Breast cancer is a disease caused by a rapid growth of cells in the breast. These cells can spread by traveling through the blood and lymph vessels. There are different types of breast cancer, depending on which cells turn cancerous. There is good news, though. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better it can be treated.

Breast Cancer Infographic_02
younger woman kissing older woman on forehead

Is there anything that puts me at risk?
 

Some risks that make breast cancer more likely are: 
 

  •  Having a family or personal history of breast cancer
  •  Having dense breasts
  •  Smoking
  •  Drinking alcohol
  •  Not being physically active
  •  Being overweight after menopause
  •  Having menstrual periods that began before age 15
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What should I look out for?

By checking your breasts and knowing what to look for, you may be able to catch breast cancer early. Common symptoms are:

  •   Lumps on your breasts or in your armpit area
  •   Thickness or swelling of your breast
  •   Irritation of your breast skin
  •   Redness or flaky skin of your nipple
  •   Pain
  •   Nipple discharge
  •   Changes in the size or shape of your breast

Remember, having symptoms does not always mean you have breast cancer, but it's a good idea to get it checked out.

Why should I get a mammogram?

 

Yearly mammograms lower your risk of dying, and early detection makes treatment easier. In fact, regular mammograms improve survival in women over 50 years of age by 35%. These are 2D, 3D, or 4D X-rays of the breast. They allow a medical professional to spot signs of breast cancer.

 

Most women between the ages of 40 and 75 should get a screening or mammogram once a year. Women over 75 should talk with their doctor about the need for screenings. Your healthcare provider may also perform a breast ultrasound or MRI.

mammogram machine with technician

So, how do I schedule a mammogram?
 

Download and sign in to the Sydney Health app, and visit the Care > Find Care section. Then you'll be able to schedule an appointment at a screening center near you. Keep in mind, some screening centers may require an order from your provider. Be sure to ask before scheduling.
 

Some things to keep in mind before you go:

  •  Let your healthcare provider know if you’ve had a mammogram before.
  •  Plan to let the mammographer know if you’re worried, uncomfortable, or in pain.
  •  Ask a family member or friend to go with you if you’re nervous.
  •  Check if you have a copay for diagnostic services.

You can also use the app and your plan website to schedule appointments with:

  •  Your doctor or primary care provider (PCP)
  •  Network labs
  •  Specialists
woman speaking with doctor
A orthopedic doctor points to something on a senior male patient's foot x-ray.

Do you need a bone density screening?

If you're 65 or older, or considered at high risk for osteoporosis, you may want to consider having your bone density checked as well.

Learn more