Every woman has a unique breast tissue pattern which contributes to the way each woman’s breasts normally look and feel. Some women’s breasts may have a lumpy/rope-like texture which is considered “normal” for them, and others may have a smoother tissue texture that is considered “normal” for them. 

Knowing your breasts means being aware of how your breasts look and feel so that you may know what is normal for your breasts and can easily detect any changes. 

The Society of Breast Imaging and American Cancer Society recommends all women aged 20 and older to practice monthly breast-self examinations for the best detection 

A Breast-Self Exam is an at-home screening technique conducted using the hands and eyes that is practiced with the purpose of detecting breast lumps and other appearance/texture-related breast abnormalities. A monthly breast-self examination is a lifesaving practice recommended for women to add to their healthcare routine. 

Any changes to the look or feel of a woman’s breast tissue that are discovered during her monthly breast-self exam must be discussed with her physician. It is important to note that if you do discover changes to your breast tissue, it is not a cause for panic. There are many benign breast conditions that can cause changes in breast tissue. It is also crucial to note that a breast self-exam is not a substitute for routine mammography screenings due to the fact that 3D mammography is the only tool that can detect breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage before a lump can be felt. In addition, Breast-Self examinations should never replace a yearly clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare provider. Women should practice a monthly breast-self examination as a screening tool that is supplemental to clinical screening exams.

The following are the top 3 evidence-based reasons that all women should add breast- self-examination to their monthly healthcare routine if they have not done so already. 

Reason # 1: Research has indicated that 40% of breast cancers are detected after a woman discovers a new lump during a self-breast exam. 

Reason #2: The size of nodules found during a self-breast exam are 50% smaller than those found during a yearly clinical breast exam.

Reason # 3: Being familiar with the normal appearance and texture of her breast tissue allows a woman to be prompt to notice any changes that may occur between monthly exams. 

If you detect a change in the texture or appearance of your breasts during a self-exam, notify your physician. He or she will determine if it is necessary for a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound should be performed to rule out abnormalities.

If your physician orders a breast imaging exam, call our office at 732-741-9595 and we will promptly schedule your appointment.

Red Bank Radiologists: Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace takes pride in providing women with the most stress-free breast imaging experience by offering SAME-DAY results from our on-site radiologists.

It is no surprise that eating a healthy diet consisting of whole, nutrient-dense foods impact all aspects of women’s health in a positive, powerful way. When consumed on a regular basis, foods and spices that contain free-radical and cancer-fighting antioxidants, key nutrients, and anti-inflammatory properties have the potential to decrease a woman’s risk of breast cancer significantly. Research reveals that leading a healthy lifestyle with a focus on a wholesome, nutrient-dense diet reduces a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by 25-30%.

Did you know that there are certain foods considered to be “breast health superfoods”?  First, you might ask, “what exactly is a superfood?” A superfood is a food that is exceptionally nutrient dense and is rich in compounds considered to be highly beneficial to a person’s health. Therefore, a breast health superfood is any food that has compounds and nutrients proven to be beneficial to breast health. 

Are you interested in making nutritional changes to slash your risk of breast cancer/abnormalities, but not sure where to begin? 

Below are the top superfoods to incorporate into your diet to kick-start making a positive impact on your breast health and overall cancer risk reduction due to their high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. 

1. Berries
2. Green Tea
3. Cruciferous Vegetables
4. Leafy Green Vegetables
5. Fatty Fish
6. Apples, Pears, and Peaches
7. Nuts and legumes
8. Herbs & Spices– (parsley, rosemary, oregano, thyme, turmeric, curry, and ginger).
9. Citrus Foods
10.  Onions and Garlic

Focusing on a daily diet consisting of whole, nutrient-dense foods and incorporating breast health superfoods allows women to take a big step in the direction towards taking control of their breast health. 

Leading a healthy lifestyle in combination with undergoing annual mammography screenings is the most effective approach that all women should follow to be proactive in preventing and detecting breast cancer/breast abnormalities.

Are you due for your routine mammogram?

 Red Bank Radiologists: Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace takes pride in providing women with the most stress-free breast imaging experience by offering SAME-DAY results from our on-site radiologists.

Call our office to schedule your appointment today! 732-741-9595.

Do you currently practice a daily or weekly exercise routine?

If so, do you set goals for yourself and measure your progress to ensure that you ultimately reach those goals?

What if you were told that being physically active on a weekly/daily basis has a strong potential to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer?

Would this proven fact motivate you to work harder to achieve your fitness goals or to take the initiative to begin setting goals for yourself if you have not done so yet?

It is a well-known fact that frequent physical exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight are highly beneficial to all aspects of a woman’s health. One of the most critical and fascinating benefits of leading an active lifestyle is that it has the potential to reduce the risk of developing cancers that are linked to excess body fat.

Did you know that breast cancer is one of the top 10 cancers that are proven to be associated with being overweight?

Regular exercise has been recognized as a critical component in the overall reduction of breast cancer risk due to its ability to contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, as well as regulating insulin and estrogen (the two major hormone levels that contribute to breast cancer risk and directly correlate with an increase in excess body fat). Further, being physically active significantly reduces inflammation markers and boosts the body’s immune system- which can help kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Extensive, clinical research studies conducted to determine the relationship between breast cancer risk and physical activity have revealed that both pre and post-menopausal woman who are physically active have a 20% reduced risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women set a weekly goal of 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise for optimal breast cancer risk reduction.

Have you ever switched breast imaging facilities and wondered why your new facility is requesting that you provide your prior breast imaging? 

Perhaps your most recent mammogram was between 5 and 10 years ago, and in this case you may wonder: “How could images from so many years ago be relevant to my upcoming mammogram?”

Did you know that the only method that is in accordance with the national protocol for the provision of the highest standard of care is for a radiologist to read mammography images by means of comparison with prior breast imaging?

The radiologist will request that you provide all breast imaging performed in the past 10 years as this information will be used as a comparison to enable the radiologist to determine if any changes in tissue have occurred between years, which will ensure the most accurate interpretation.

Below are 5 evidence-based reasons why providing prior breast imaging to your new breast center is necessary (Yes, even if you have always had “normal” mammogram results”).

1. To provide the radiologist with a comprehensive understanding of your breast history and any procedures that may have altered your breast tissue, including: breast biopsies, surgery or radiation.
2. To determine whether a change has occurred in your breast tissue since your last mammogram: The radiologist will conduct a side-by-side comparison of new imaging performed and previous imaging to detect changes. Changes in breast tissue from year to year will prompt the radiologist to order further diagnostic studies to rule out whether or not a new finding is suspicious for malignancy and to provide the most accurate diagnosis. 
3. To reduce call-backs and unnecessary diagnostic workups- Discoveries of abnormalities determined to be benign in the past, with no evidence provided to your new radiologist may result in unnecessary additional testing or a call-back to the facility to rule out a previously determined benign finding. Without prior imaging, it is impossible to determine whether findings are a natural part of your pattern of breast tissue or if they have recently developed. 
4.  To determine whether or not previous findings (calcifications, cysts, fibroadenomas, etc) have remained stable through the years or have increased/decreased in size. 
5. In order to receive same-day results from our on-site radiologists, previous imaging must be provided PRIOR to the patient’s exam date. If a patient does not provide previous breast imaging, new imaging will be held aside for the radiologist to read upon receiving the patient’s prior imaging.  

You may be wondering, “What if this is my first mammogram?” If you have never had a mammogram before, but have had other breast related imaging studies performed in the past 10 years, you must provide your new breast center with the records. 

If you have never had ANY breast-related studies, you will not have anything to provide your new breast center with. The new images taken will be considered a baseline and will be used as a comparison for all future breast imaging studies that you undergo throughout your lifetime.

Are you looking to make a switch to a new breast center for your next mammogram?

 Be sure to obtain your prior breast imaging records and call our office at 732-741-9595 to schedule your next appointment with us!

Step 1: Do not panic!- According to the American College of Radiology, 80% of breast lumps are non-cancerous. There are several different types of benign breast lumps to rule out before assuming that your lump is cancerous. The most common include fibroadenomas, simple cysts, intraductal papillomas, and fibrocystic changes.  

Step 2: Make an appointment with your physician, who will perform a clinical breast exam to rule out any abnormalities in your breast tissue and axillary regions. Your physician will decide whether or not it is necessary for you to have any imaging studies performed, such as a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound. 

Step 3: If your physician orders a breast imaging study, call Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace and we will happily schedule your appointment in an expedited fashion. A mammogram or ultrasound will determine whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled and will provide the exact size dimensions and characterizations of the lump, which will allow for an accurate diagnosis. At Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace, our staff members are dedicated to the provision of exceptional patient care, creating the most stress-free breast imaging experience. Our facility utilizes the most advanced diagnostic imaging services and provides every patient with same-day results at the termination of the exam from our on-site breast images.

Please call our office at 732-741-9595 to schedule your appointment. 

Has your routine mammography screening schedule fallen so off track to the point where you do not remember when your last mammogram was? 

Don’t worry, whether it has been a few years or 10+ years since your last trip to the breast center, you are not alone and it is never too late to resume prioritizing your breast health once again!

The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend that all women, beginning at age 40 (or younger, if considered high risk) undergo a yearly mammography screening to ensure the detection of breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage. Contrary to popular belief, there is no age that women should stop receiving annual mammograms, as breast cancer risk increases with age. 

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, since its inception in 1980, annual mammography screenings have been credited for reducing breast cancer-related deaths by 30% and have improved the overall cancer detection rate by 50%. 

There are numerous common reasons why women stop undergoing routine mammograms, which include but are not limited to: a hectic everyday schedule, anxiety concerning the exam, discrediting the need for a mammogram due to lack of family history, and fear of radiation exposure. 

Are you someone who struggles to find the proper reasoning and motivation to receive a yearly mammogram? 

Don’t worry, we do not judge. Let our team at Red Bank Radiologists: Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace provide you with evidence-based encouragement to schedule your appointment today. 

A 3D mammogram is the single, proven tool in detecting breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage. The technology of a 3D mammogram is so advanced that it detects abnormalities in breast tissue before a lump can be felt and before appearance-related abnormalities can be seen. Mammography is the only screening method that can detect changes as minuscule as a grain of sand, (approximately 5 years before a lump can be felt). With early detection by means of mammography, the 5-year breast cancer survival and cure rate is 99%.

In contrast to what many women believe, family history is just 1 out of the numerous risk factors that are taken into consideration when determining whether or not a woman is considered high risk. Approximately 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Therefore, it is just as crucial for a woman who does not have a family history of breast cancer to adhere to a strict annual mammography screening schedule as it is for a woman who does have a family history. 

Many women are concerned with the risks of radiation exposure from a mammogram. While it is true that a 3D mammogram does expose women to a very low dose of radiation, the exposure is so small that the benefits of receiving the exam far outweigh the risks of exposure to radiation. 

Many women discontinue undergoing annual mammograms to avoid the anxiety of an abnormal finding. These women While it is normal to fear the discovery of an abnormal finding on your mammogram, never allow the fear of uncertainty to be the reason to discourage you from having a mammogram. Further, if an abnormal finding is discovered, keep in mind that 8 out of 10 breast lumps are not cancerous. Early detection is the best prevention. Should any abnormalities be discovered, the earlier that they are detected, the more treatable they will be. Additionally, Red Bank Radiologists: Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace offers patients same-day results from our on-site Board Certified radiologists. Should an abnormality be detected on a patient’s screening mammography, we will perform additional testing immediately following the mammogram to provide the most stress-free experience. 

Are you ready to get back on track with your mammography screening? Call our office to schedule your appointment today! 732-741-9595

A Breast-Self Exam is an at-home screening technique conducted using the hands and eyes that is practiced with the purpose of detecting breast lumps and other appearance/texture related breast abnormalities. A monthly breast-self examination is a lifesaving practice recommended for women to add to their healthcare routine. The American Cancer Society recommends all women aged 20 and older to begin practicing monthly breast-self examinations to ensure that they become familiarized with how their breasts normally look and feel.

Any changes to the look or feel of a woman’s breast tissue that are discovered during her monthly breast-self exam must be discussed with her physician. It is important to note that if you do discover changes to your breast tissue, it is not a cause for panic. There are many benign breast conditions that can cause changes in breast tissue. It is also crucial to note that a breast-self exam is not a substitute for routine mammography screenings due to the fact that 3D mammography is the only tool that can detect breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage-before a lump can be felt. In addition, Breast-Self examinations should never replace a yearly clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare provider. Women should practice a monthly breast-self examination as a screening tool that is supplemental to clinical screening exams.

The following are the top 3 evidence based reasons that all women should add breast- self examination to their monthly healthcare routine, if they have not done so already. 

Reason # 1: Research has indicated that 40% of breast cancers are detected after a woman discovers a new lump during a self breast exam. 

Reason #2: The size of nodules found during a self breast exam are 50% smaller than those found during a yearly clinical breast exam.

Reason # 3: Being familiar with the normal appearance and texture of her breast tissue allows a woman to be prompt to notice any changes that may occur between monthly exams. 

Do you feel an anxious flutter in your chest when you think about your next trip to the breast center?

 Do the fears that you associate with a mammogram prevent you from scheduling your routine screening? 

 If so, you are not alone. It is very common for women to feel a heightened level of anxiety before, during and after a mammogram. In fact, fear is the number one reason why women delay their routine mammography screenings. 

According to the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, there are several common fears that women associate with having a mammogram. These include, but are not limited to: anticipated feelings of pain/discomfort, fear of abnormal findings, and hesitancy to radiation exposure. Our compassionate patient care team at Little Silver Mammography and HerSpace take every action to diminish each patient’s fears, ensuring each patient remains at ease from the moment she walks into our office to the moment she receives her results from our on-site radiologist.

Have you let your “mammogram anxiety” prevent you from receiving this life-saving, yearly screening exam? Allow us to debunk the 3 most common fears that prevent women from scheduling a mammogram so that we can help you eliminate your “mammogram anxiety”.

Fear #1: Feelings of Pain/Discomfort

Many women perceive a mammogram as a dreadful procedure. Unfortunately, this bad rap has been passed down from generation to generation and has instilled a preconceived fear into women before they have personally experienced a mammogram for themselves.

While every woman can agree that a mammogram is not something to look forward to, your experience does not have to be an uncomfortable one.Your yearly trip to the breast center can be pleasant and rewarding. Contrary to popular belief, not all women experience pain/ discomfort during a mammogram, and any discomfort that may be felt is minor and brief.

If you have personally experienced a painful mammogram that has prevented you from continuing your annual exams, you will be happy to know that there are precautions that you can take to minimize your risk of experiencing pain, which include:

• Scheduling your mammogram opposite of your menstrual cycle schedule:
  Women are advised to avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before or during their menstrual cycle. Scheduling your appointment accordingly will prevent you from having the exam when your breasts may be tender or swollen due to hormonal fluctuations related to your menstrual cycle.

• Cutting back on caffeine:
  While not proven, research evidence has revealed that women who reduce caffeine intake 1 to 2 weeks prior to having a mammogram can reduce the possibility of pain and tenderness that are caused by fibrocystic breast changes.

• Consider Taking an NSAID Pain Reliever 1 Hour Prior to Your Appointment:
  This may reduce inflammation that has the potential of increasing your likelihood of experiencing discomfort.

• Most Importantly, Communication with Your Technologist:  
  If you experience pain during your mammogram, never hesitate to let your technologist know. Our technologists at Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace are dedicated to maintaining clear communication with each patient, and are more than happy to work with you to ensure that you are comfortable every step of the way.
  

Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace utilizes the Hologic Genius 3D mammography machine. This machine was designed with patient comfort and satisfaction in mind, offering patients a maximum compression time of less than 4 seconds- which is the shortest compression time available- thus minimizing overall risk of discomfort.

Fear #2: Abnormal Findings: While it is normal to fear the discovery of an abnormal finding on your mammogram, never allow the fear of uncertainty to be the reason to discourage you from having a mammogram. Early detection is the best prevention. Should any abnormalities be discovered, the earlier that they are detected, the more treatable they will be.

Fear # 3: Hesitancy to Radiation Exposure: Many women are concerned with the risks of radiation exposure from a mammogram. While it is true that a 3D mammogram does expose you to a low dose of radiation, the exposure is so minuscule that the benefits of receiving the exam far outweigh the risks of exposure to radiation. 

At Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace, our compassionate patient care team anticipates patient anxieties and takes every action to put patients at ease as each of our team members understands just how stressful a mammogram can be. 

Every aspect of our spa-like facility has been designed with patient relaxation and comfort in mind to cultivate the most stress-free breast imaging experience possible. Our team desires each patient to leave our office feeling proud of herself for prioritizing her health, confident in the results of her exam, and with true satisfaction with the care that she received at our Breast Center. 

Have you ever been told that the breast pain that you were experiencing or the breast lump that you discovered may have been associated with your caffeine intake? 

The relationship between caffeine intake and breast health has been a prominent research topic sparking high interest amongst physicians and clinical researchers for countless years.

One of the main areas of study in regard to the connection between caffeine intake and breast health has been to determine whether or not the consumption of caffeine has any correlation to fibrocystic breast disease. 

Fibrocystic breast disease is a benign condition in which breasts are characterized by glandular tissue that has a lumpy and rope-like texture. Fibrocystic breasts can be diagnosed by a clinical breast exam as well as by mammography, ultrasound, and MRI Imaging. Fibrocystic breast disease is very common, affecting more than half of all women ages 20-50. 

Many women with fibrocystic breasts experience pain, swelling, and tenderness. However, there are women who do not experience any symptoms at all. 

Fibrocystic breast disease is caused by the breast tissue’s response to fluctuations in hormone levels, which is why fibrocystic breast changes tend to be more bothersome before your menstrual period, and why it is rare for postmenopausal women to experience changes unless they are undergoing hormone therapy. 

According to Mayo Clinic, Most researchers and physicians have determined that caffeine is not a direct cause of fibrocystic changes in the breasts, but large amounts of caffeine can lead to changes in hormone levels that may affect the formation of breast cysts or cause breast pain. 

Although caffeine may not be a cause of fibrocystic breasts, studies conducted in this area of research have determined that there is evidence that caffeine can exacerbate pain and tenderness associated with fibrocystic breasts. Many women find relief from pain, swelling, and a decrease in the size of breast lumps associated with fibrocystic breast disease after reducing their caffeine intake. 

It is important for all women to conduct a monthly self-breast exam and to never dismiss a new lump, pain, or tenderness felt. If you discover any new changes during your self breast exam, do not delay a clinical breast examination by your physician. Although caffeine has the potential to worsen fibrocystic breast symptoms, never dismiss a new lump discovered or a new pain felt because you think it may be due to your caffeine intake.