The first step women need to take to assure good breast health is to become their own advocate, say doctors at the Virginia-based Washington Radiology Associates. 

And that step sometimes is the hardest.

 “Often women are uncomfortable with asking questions, especially of medical professionals, but addressing your concerns with your provider is one step toward staying on top of your medical health,” says Dr. Catherine K. Chow, of the radiology group.

Part of that advocacy includes outlining your personal and family medical history with your provider so that he can determine the best course of treatment.

Women between 20 and 39 should visit a doctor at least every three years for a breast cancer examination, Dr. Chow said.  Those 40 and over should have an annual exam. 

Chow also suggests women perform breast self exams (BSEs), which can help patients monitor visual and physical changes in their breasts.

 “They are free and easy to do,” she explains. “Everyone in the breast cancer field has met patients who discovered their own cancers by doing BSEs. I personally continue to encourage patients to perform (them).”

 In addition, average at-risk women should have a digital mammogram performed annually beginning at age 40, or earlier if they have a strong family history of breast cancer.

A digital mammogram, says Chow, uses x-rays to capture an image of the breast on a digital receptor. The image is then transferred to a computer, where it can be enhanced to show specific areas of the breast.

Selecting the right center to have your testing done is just as important as the tests itself. A mammography center should be accredited and certified by the Food and Drug Administration. And to ensure that you have an accurate baseline, women should visit the same center each year for testing.

Chow reminds patients that false positive results are normal, and that women should not be alarmed if their doctor or radiologist requests additional screening or a breast biopsy.

For more information about the radiology group, log onto www.washingtonradiology.com.