Preventive Medicine Update

The Importance of Breast health
-Kris Somol, ND

Breast health is an important component of a woman's overall wellness. Women frequently seek medical advice when they are concerned about breast discharge, lumps, size, pain and changes to the skin. While many changes in the breast are related to hormone shifts during menstruation, changes that are not cyclical deserve a conversation with your physician. The primary step a woman can take to maintain breast health is to take the time to understand the anatomy of the breast and schedule regular physical exams.

Women can help with the early detection and treatment of breast cancer by playing an active role in their own health care. While there are some different recommendations from medical organizations on the value of breast self-exams, all women's health organizations agree about the value of annual clinical breast exams, and the importance of regular mammograms after the age of 40.

Over the past three decades we have seen a reduction in breast cancer death in some populations from improved methods of early detection, primarily through the use of mammogram screening. However, there also has been a rise in breast cancer deaths among economically disadvantaged women, indicative of the reduced use and access to health-care resources.

In an effort to address this rise in cancer in some populations, the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Plan provides funding for women ages 40 to 64 to receive annual screening exams and mammograms. Each year, nearly 60,000 women are eligible for this program, which is available at Bastyr Center for Natural Health and other clinics throughout King County. Bringing questions and concerns to a doctor's attention, women can make informed decisions to improve their health.

-- Kris Somol, ND, resident in naturopathic medicine Bastyr Center for Natural Health