Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi - (Page 21)

How to Stay Proactive D PHOTOGRAPHY BY THINKSTOCK CAll and every three years after that. Plenty of women, however, choose to do these tests every 12 months. Whatever screening schedule you and your doctor decide upon, you should still visit him or her for a checkup every year. And taking a proactive approach to your breast health helps you stay alert to any potential problems in between visits. “It’s important, should a woman ever detect a lump, that she see a health professional very quickly,” Saslow says. “Most of the time, it’s not breast cancer, but it’s important she gets checked out.” Lumps often are simply cysts, which are ﬂuid-ﬁlled sacs that can come and go on their own or follow your menstrual cycle. “They can get larger and be painful, and doctors can aspirate them with a very thin needle,” Saslow says. Other causes of lumps are benign, or noncancerous, tumors. “If they’re not bothering you and they’re small, you might leave them in place.” The point is, you shouldn’t be scared to get something checked out. Most of the time it’s nothing. And in the case that it is something, having it treated early is best for your health—and your peace of mind. Breast Care Center The NMMC Breast Care Center in Tupelo offers screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound and a Mobile Mammography Unit that brings mammograms to you. For more information, call 800-the desk or visit www.nmhs.net/breast_care.php. espite having no family history of cancer, Karen W.* has never failed to stay on top of her regular screenings. “I’ve always had my Pap smears. I always got my mammogram on time.” Her diligent nature ended up saving her life. At age 59, after her annual mammogram, doctors spotted a dot on one of her scans. A biopsy revealed noninvasive breast cancer. “I was incredulous. I’ve never had any other health problems,” Karen says. Radiation followed a lumpectomy and today, she’s cancer-free and feeling grateful. “You have to be proactive with your body. You can’t always rely on a doctor to detect something.” Radiologist Susan Shamburger, MD, of North Mississippi Medical Center’s Breast Care Center, says to look for any of the following: • Any new lump thAt doesn’t go AwAy or one that gets larger over time • Redness oR scAliness on breasts • diffeRence in the nipples, such as one that is suddenly inverted • wet spots on youR bRA oR shiRt, which could indicate spontaneous discharge from the nipples • Any new skin dimpling What not to worry about? Oddly enough, pain. “General breast pain is not usually associated with breast cancer,” Shamburger says, “but persistent pain in a particular area does need to be checked out.” *Last name omitted for privacy. FAL L 2013 21 http://www.nmhs.net/breast_care.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi
Opening Thoughts
Recognized for Excellence
Step It Up
Your Mightiest Muscle
Well, Well, Well
Are You Doing More Harm Than Good?
Is Your Shut-Eye Serving You Well?
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge
Anatomy of an ER Visit
Next-Gen Surgery
Attack From Within
Virtual Health
Working for You
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - North Mississippi