Hello,

The Month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness. 

My mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2009, after discovering a palpable lump in her breast; her diagnosis was delayed by a surgeon nearly three months later for the sake of "convenience for the surgeon."  If this delay in diagnosis can happen to a family member of a doctor, then be wary that it could also happen to you. Be vigilant and don't let that happen to you. 

I would personally like to take this opportunity to express my sincere dedication to doing all that I can do to fight breast cancer.  The above is a picture of me in my office, as I am wearing a pink shirt in remembering those who have fought, are fighting, or will fight the battle against breast cancer.  Early detection and prevention is the only real cure for breast cancer.  Those of you who have a known family history of breast cancer, should get tested for breast cancer gene and get routine mammograms sooner than the recommended age of 40 years and above, so that you might be in a better position to understanding your likely risk of developing breast cancer.  Studies have shown that there is currently a slight decrease in the rate of breast cancer.  I think we can contribute this primarily to early detection and diagnostic techniques in breast cancer evaluation.  Thus, have routine mammograms done, and do monthly breast self examination so that you too, can participate in making breast cancer perhaps a thing of the past.

As breast cancer awareness month comes to a close, here are some suggestions that I made during a community forum:

First some staggering statistics:

1. An estimate of one million women world wide are diagnosed with breast cancer each year

2. An estimate of 180,000 women in USA will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year 

3. A woman carries a life time risk of 1:9 of developing breast cancer

4. An estimate of over 40,000 women in USA will die annually of breast cancer

5. If a breast tumor is detected in its earliest stage, i.e. smallest size of growth, there is more than 90% chance of cure

Here is what you can do:

1. Self breast examination.  This requires selecting one day in a month for the rest of your life to examine your breasts.  While in your own privacy, start by looking at your exposed breasts in the mirror to check to see if they look alike in terms of shape and size.  Notice if there is skin dimpling or nipple retraction.  Then, while lying down flat on your back, and in a comfortable position, lift the arm on the side of breast to be examined above your head.  Take the opposite hand, and through a circular and rythmic motion, feel for unusual lumps, starting in the upper portion of breast, continuing in a clockwise fashion until all parts of the breast have been examined.  Then squeeze the nipple to see if any material comes out.  Finally, take the opposite hand and feel for lumps under the armpit, on side of examining breast.  Repeat this action on the opposite side of breast.

2. Women over 40 years of age, should have a yearly mammogram, and yearly visit to doctor for physical examination.  Discuss with your physician any abnormal lumps discovered while doing self-breast examination.  Be sure to have an annual breast physical exam by a qualified medical doctor.  And, you will be on the road to taking part in managing your healthy care.

I continue to look forward to speaking with all of you who want to make a difference in your health care, preventing disease or detecting disease at its most earliest stages so that a treatment can be most effective.

Sincerely,

Jackson L. Gates, MD

Owner and Founder of Medical Diagnostic Choices, MDC-Atlanta.