When you think about breast health, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a mammogram. While mammograms are a primary tool in detecting breast cancer early, they’re just one piece of a much larger picture. Holistic breast health means taking a proactive, lifelong approach to caring for your body, one that evolves as you move from adolescence into adulthood. MOGA is proud to support breast health for all ages across the Mid-South with unrivaled compassion, advanced technology, and preventive care.
Why Breast Health Matters at Every Age
We want you to know that breast health isn’t just something to think about once you turn 40. In fact, the decisions you make in your teens and 20s can impact your long-term risks. That’s why we’re committed to providing support for breast health for all ages, at all times—not just when problems arise. We believe that:
- Teen girls deserve a safe, open environment to ask questions
- Women in their reproductive years benefit from routine exams and guidance
- Older women need reliable, accessible screening and follow-up care
Our practice is celebrating 40 years of service. That means we understand the needs of women at every stage of life and offer personalized care backed by the latest research and diagnostic technology.
Understanding Breast Health at Every Stage of Life
Adolescence: Laying the Foundation
Breast health begins in your teens. As hormone levels increase, girls begin to develop breast tissue, and with it can come questions and concerns.
- Learn what’s normal: Lumps and tenderness often occur with hormonal changes, but persistent or painful lumps should be evaluated.
- Encourage body awareness: Teens should get comfortable with the natural look and feel of their breasts.
- Start conversations early: It’s okay to normalize conversations about bodily health. Empower your teenager to talk openly with her provider about any concerns.
Adulthood: Staying Proactive
In your 20s, 30s, and 40s, your breasts go through hormonal changes linked to menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. This is when you start to build habits that support long-term health.
- Monthly self-exams can help you become familiar with your baseline.
- Clinical breast exams should be part of your annual gynecological visit.
- Know your family history: If breast cancer runs in your family, you may need earlier or more frequent screenings.
Later Life: Prioritizing Screenings and Monitoring
In your 50s and beyond, breast density often decreases, but the risk of breast cancer increases. Ongoing vigilance becomes even more important.
- Annual mammograms are typically recommended starting at age 40.
- Discuss your personal risk factors with your provider to determine if advanced imaging like 3D mammography is right for you.
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol intake.
Preventive Care Tips for Breast Health
Promoting breast health for all ages means taking small but consistent steps throughout your life. Here’s what you can do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Perform regular self-exams to become familiar with your normal breast tissue
- Don’t ignore changes—report pain, lumps, or discharge to your MOGA provider
- Keep your annual wellness appointments on track
- Try to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Reduce alcohol and avoid smoking
- Breastfeed if possible; it can reduce cancer risk
- Limit hormone replacement therapy unless medically necessary
MOGA believes education is the key to prevention. We empower our patients with knowledge as the first step of any treatment.
What Is Mammography?
Though mammography isn’t the end-all, be-all of breast health, it still plays a big role. Mammography is a specialized type of imaging that uses low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue. It allows your doctor to detect abnormalities like tumors or calcifications, hopefully before they cause symptoms.
Our three MOGA offices offer the latest advancements in breast imaging:
- Digital Mammography: Provides high-quality images with less radiation exposure.
- 3D Mammography (Breast Tomosynthesis): Offers a clearer, more accurate view of breast tissue by creating a three-dimensional image from multiple angles.
- Computer-Aided Detection (CAD): Highlights suspicious areas on your mammogram for closer review.
Mammograms remain absolutely vital for the early detection of breast conditions. When it’s caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable, and mammography is your best line of defense.
Partnering With You for Lifelong Breast Health
Our doctors and team work hard to foster a supportive, informative environment where you feel empowered to take charge of every aspect of your health, including breast health.
If it’s time for your next exam or you simply have questions about your breast health, feel free to reach out to us in East Memphis, Wolfchase, or DeSoto.