Category: Breast Cancer

What is a mammogram like?

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell’s, health series Beyond Clinical Walls, Dr. BCW takes you with her as she shows you what a mammogram is like.

Dr. BCW provides helpful information from Beyond Clinical Walls to inform you about a common question she receives, What is a mammogram like?  If you have been thinking about getting a mammogram, are afraid of going through the process, please watch this important video.  Mammograms are critical in detecting breast cancer early and can save your life.  Do not miss this important behind the scenes view of a mammogram.

Remember, to subscribe to Beyond Clinical Walls.  It really helps the channel and it helps Dr. BCW continue to provide helpful informations on health topics, health literacy and health inequity .  Thank you so much for your support.

Breast Cancer Signs Woman Over 50 Should Know

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, shares Signs of Breast Cancer Every Woman Over 50 Should Know with Eat This, Not That.

read the full Eat This, Not That article here

Article Snippet:

…This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. This also means there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease.” Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who share what to know about breast cancer and signs to watch out for. As always, please consult your physician for medical advice. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

…, Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital tells us, “This is complicated, the high rate is due to several reasons including access to mammogram screenings, limited resources within health literacy and late diagnosis. At this time, a breast cancer diagnosis in Black/African American versus White individuals are the same. However, it is extremely important to note, Black/African Americans are dying at a disproportionate higher rate…”

See what else Dr. Curry-Winchell has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss signs of Breast Cancer Every Woman Over 50 Should Know

The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness for Black Women and Women of Color

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell joins Carbon Health, discussing the importance of Breast Cancer awareness for black women and women of color.

Read the full Carbon Health article here

Dr. Curry-Winchell,

In the United States, it’s expected that roughly 13 percent of women will develop invasive breast cancer during their life. That’s more than 280,000 cases every year. But the risks are not the same for everyone: According to data shared by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, white women have the highest rates of diagnosed breast cancer, at 13 percent, followed closely by Black women at 12 percent (who, despite this slightly lower diagnosis rate, have the highest mortality rate of any demographic group). Hispanic and Asian and Pacific Islander women have a lifetime risk of 11 percent, followed by Native American women at 8 percent.

Doctors and researchers are working to determine exactly why these rates vary, but they point to many factors that contribute to rates of diagnosis and mortality among different communities.

Paying attention to breast health is important for everyone — this means regular visits with a healthcare provider, mammograms, and early detection, including monthly breast self-exams (learn more about the importance of self-exams and how to perform them, in “Keeping Abreast of Your Health with Regular Self-Exams.”) ?

BIPOC Communities and Breast Cancer

In the United States, Black women have the highest mortality rate from breast cancer. And even though white women are slightly more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, disease rates for breast cancer among young Black women are higher than their white counterparts.

There are many factors that influence how a person experiences breast cancer. Age at time of diagnosis, type of breast cancer, and overall health at time of diagnosis are contributing factors that can impact survival rates. Some other common contributing factors include….

 

Dr. Curry-Winchell continues on the full Carbon Health article.

 

Keeping Abreast of Your Health with Regular Self-Exams

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, works with Carbon Health to discuss the importance of regular self-exams in breast cancer detection.

Read the full Carbon Health article here

Dr. Curry-Winchell,

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent. And early detection means not only regular visits with a healthcare provider and mammograms, but also monthly breast self-exams.

Staying in Touch with Your Body Through Breast Self-Exams

A lot has changed during the pandemic. Many people decided to put off healthcare and delay some routine preventive visits. People also noticed their bodies changing, in all sorts of ways, because of stress (as well as other factors). Doing a monthly breast self-exam isn’t just about looking for cancer. It’s part of staying acquainted with your body, checking in with it, and seeing what’s up. It’s a time to slow down and clue in. Is that a new freckle? Is there weight gain or loss? Muscle gain or loss? Our bodies have so much to tell us if we take the time to listen.

Am I Too Young for Breast Self-Checks?

Unless they have certain risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer, most people don’t start getting regular mammograms until they are 40 years old. This contributes to a misconception that breast health is not a concern until then. However, once you’ve passed puberty, monthly self-exams are a good idea. If you’ve never done a breast self-exam, you may be wondering where to begin. Here are few easy steps to get you started:

  • Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror. Be sure you are standing on flat feet or sitting with as straight a back as you are able (no intentional slouching or leaning)….

Dr. BCW continues on the Carbon Health article.