HealthyPlusno3Jan5 - Flipbook - Page 13
“ I encourage all patients to perform self-exams
regularly and immediately reach out if they
notice a change.”
–Jama Peacock, MD, SVMC Twin Rivers Medical Campus
can’t overemphasize the ease and importance
of mammograms. For most women, an annual
screening is all that’s needed.” Another advantage
of annual screenings Skoug notes is the fact that
they allow doctors to compare pictures from
year to year and catch potentially concerning
tumors earlier.
A “no excuses” approach to mammography
Whatever challenge stands between you and
getting a mammogram—transportation, childcare,
or concerns about insurance—SVMC’s Breast
Health Nurse Navigator may be able to help.
“A big part of my job is working with women
from Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts and
doing whatever’s necessary to make it possible for
them to get a mammogram,” says Skoug, “and, if
necessary, any follow-up care. Screenings are too
important to let solvable problems stand in the
way. All you have to do is reach out.
Free
breast cancer
screening options
MA:
Free breast screenings are available for eligible,
uninsured Massachuses residents through the Depament
of Public Health Care Coordination Program.
877-414-4447
NY:
The NYS Cancer Services Program offers free breast cancer
screening and diagnostic services for uninsured, eligible
New Yorkers.
1-866-442-CANCER (2262)
VT:
You First Covers the cost of breast screenings
and diagnostic follow-up for eligible
Vermonters.
800-508-2222
Signs and symptoms of
breast cancer
• A new lump or mass in the breast
• Swelling of all or pa of a breast
• Skin dimpling (oen described as looking like
orange peel)
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the
collar bone
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your
healthcare provider.
The benefits of self-exams
Dr. Jama Peacock of SVMC Twin Rivers Medical
Campus in Hoosick Falls, NY, notes that while
mammograms provide the best view of what’s
actually going on within the breast, self-exams also
have their role in detecting cancer early.
“Because women know their body best, it’s
not uncommon for patients to notice something
is different when doing a self-exam,” she says.
“I encourage all patients to perform self-exams
regularly and immediately reach out if they notice
a change. It may be something you feel or it may
be a change in appearance, say, a dimpling of the
skin. An easy way to pick up on the latter is to lean
over in the shower and look at your breasts. This
method is particularly helpful for women with
large breasts.
“Regardless of the change or how it’s detected,”
says Peacock, “You should contact your doctor at
once for follow-up.”+
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