It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Get Screened!

Have you been seeing pink? If so, it’s because pink is the signature color of Breast Cancer Awareness month that springs up each October. As you take a few moments to reflect on the inspirational stories of the hardships and challenges this devastating disease can cause, consider making October the month that you schedule your annual mammogram.

Here at PURE Mammography, we can’t stress enough how important it is to get an annual breast cancer screening beginning at age 40. Today, mammograms are the single most effective diagnostic tool to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages – well before you or your doctor can feel a breast lump.

What Is Breast Cancer Screening?

Breast cancer screening is simply checking breast tissue for cancer well before any signs or symptoms of the disease become apparent. Although it can’t prevent breast cancer, screening exams detect breast cancer early while the disease is easiest to effectively treat and cure. Mammography is the single most effective breast cancer screening tool in use today.

What Is Mammography

Mammography is a specific breast cancer screening X-ray imaging tool that uses low doses of radiation to find cancer early. Mammograms can detect abnormalities in the breast tissue well before a woman notices any symptoms. With early detection, treatment options are more effective in curing the disease.

How Is a Mammogram Performed?

Receiving a mammogram is very simple. The key steps include the following:

• You will stand in front of an X-ray machine.
• The technologist will put your breasts on a clear plastic plate while another plate will press down on the breast tissue from above.
• You will feel some pressure on your breasts as you hold still for the X-ray.
• This step will be repeated to take a side view of the breasts.

What Should You Know About Mammograms?

Annual breast cancer screening using mammography has been the difference for many women in avoiding a mastectomy after receiving a positive breast cancer diagnosis. With early detection, localized breast cancer can be removed without having to resort to complete breast removal (mastectomy.)

Important facts about mammograms:

• Start scheduling your annual breast cancer screening at age 40. Ask your doctor for a recommended starting age if you are at a higher risk due to family history.
• Mammograms are safe – you’re only exposed to a very small amount of radiation.
• Don’t worry! Mammograms are fast and easy and discomfort is minimal for the majority of women.

Where Can I Find High Quality Breast Cancer Screening on Long Island?

PURE Mammography, in Lake Grove, Long Island, offers state-of-the-art 3D screening mammograms in a spa-like environment. We are home to outstanding physicians and technicians in the breast imaging and are accredited by the American College of Radiology. As a new division of Medical Arts Radiology, we’re the only mammography center in New York conveniently located inside a shopping mall.

PURE Mammography offers so much more to our patients than a typical mammography center. Walking into our office feels like walking into a day spa as you relax in a warm robe in a comfortable lounge. You’ll snack on gourmet food and beverages while listening to soothing music. When it’s time for your exam, you’ll get to choose between a relaxing rainforest, beach or flower garden setting made possible by video and surround sound. All of this pampering does more than make you feel relaxed – it results in a better exam.

All mammograms at PURE Mammography are performed with 3D technology, which is a new and innovative technique that is optimized to detect more invasive breast cancers earlier. The 3D technique also reduces false positive results by up to 40 percent compared to conventional 2D mammograms. The best news is that this new technology doesn’t add a cent to your healthcare costs.

Think pink and schedule your annual mammogram today at 631-652-3424. You can also make an online appointment on our website. Or, just stop in at PURE mammography the next time you are shopping at the Smith Haven mall – no appointment required.