Find the top Atlanta women’s OBGYN for breast cancer screenings
OBGYNs play an important role in the early detection of diseases
Atlanta women’s OBGYN plays an important role in the early detection of women’s diseases in Atlanta, GA. One of those diseases OBGYNs screen regularly for is breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer of women. Early detection is vital to successful treating this disease.
Your doctor will perform breast exams each year
One way your Atlanta women’s OBGYN watches for signs of cancer is by performing a breast exam at your annual well woman visit. This is a standard part of the exam. During this, your physician will feel your breasts for abnormalities and lumps.
You can also perform self-breast examinations periodically. Your Atlanta women’s OBGYN can show you how to do this. This is a good test to perform if breast cancer runs in your family.
Mammograms also help detect breast cancer
Another way your Atlanta women’s OBGYN works to detect breast cancer early is with mammograms. When women start having regular mammograms can depend on multiple factors. Your doctor will take your age, family history, and your personal medical history into consideration.
Typically, women will start to have yearly mammograms between the ages of 40 and 45. From ages 50 to 74 you can move to having your mammogram every two years. However, your Atlanta women’s OBGYN will be able to advise the best schedule for you.
Mammograms are relatively quick tests
When you go in for a mammogram, you won’t have to spend the entire day there. This test takes only about 30 minutes. You’ll go in in a gown. Then, the technician will place your breast between two plates, which will then compress and flatten your breast, allowing them to check the density and for signs of breast cancer.
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your mammogram. First, avoid wearing deodorant and don’t put lotion under your arms as this can impact the images. A mammogram can be uncomfortable and may leave you feeling a bit sore. Feel free to take some over the counter pain medication beforehand to help keep feelings of soreness at bay. Be sure to discuss any questions you have about the test with your Atlanta womens OBGYN beforehand so you feel comfortable going in.
Atlanta women’s OBGYN in Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA should be sure to visit an Atlanta women’s OBGYN regularly for preventive care. These visits help keep women healthy through the early detection of diseases. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen an OBGYN, or you are looking for a new one, contact Georgia OBGYN.