Breast Health

Woman’s strives to catch breast cancer in its earliest stage.

About 12 percent of all women will battle breast cancer in their lifetimes, and in Louisiana, about 3,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease each year. While there is no way to prevent cancer, Woman’s strives to catch the disease in its earliest stage. When detected early, more than 95 percent of breast cancer cases are treated successfully.

The Three-Step Approach to Prevention

At Woman’s, our Three-Step Approach to Prevention has proven most effective in diagnosing breast cancer early, so patients are given their best chance of successful treatment.

Step 1: Breast Self-Awareness

It is important to be aware of changes in the appearance and feel of your breasts. Most lumps will not be cancer. If you notice a change in your breasts, you should see your doctor.   Self-examination is simple to learn and takes about 10 minutes. Follow a self-examination routine each month to become familiar with the regular feel and appearance of your breasts. Learn how to perform a Breast Self Exam (PDF)

Step 2: Clinical Breast Exam

You should schedule an examination once a year with your doctor.

Step 3: Mammogram

The American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, the American College of Radiology and several other professional organizations recommend a mammogram every year starting at age 40. 

If you have a family history of breast cancer, a lump, nipple discharge or other symptoms, check with your doctor about whether you should begin mammography at an earlier age or the need for more frequent mammograms.

Breast Self-Awareness

Breast self-awareness is an understanding of how your breasts normally look and feel.

In the traditional breast self-exam, you use a precise method to examine your breasts on a regular basis, such as once a month. Breast self-awareness does not require you to examine your breasts once a month or with a precise method. Instead, it focuses on having a sense of what is normal for your breasts so that you can tell if there are changes — even small changes — and report them to your health care provider.