[Mineola, NY, April 21, 2008] – When a woman is pregnant and has a breast cancer scare, she goes through the nightmare of worrying about her own health and the viability of the pregnancy. Dr. Virginia E. Maurer, who founded The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education says, “While it is common for women to feel changes in their breasts during pregnancy, including developing lumps, they must be their own strongest advocates to rule out breast cancer rather than discount these changes as something to simply expect during pregnancy.”
The Maurer Foundation, which focuses exclusively on educating adolescents and adults about the prevention and early detection of breast cancer, assures women that 80% of masses found in the breast are non-cancerous, and adds that ruling out cancer is as good a reason there is to get checked.
Below are tips regarding breast health before and during pregnancy from The Maurer Foundation:
- Get a baseline mammogram at age 35, and begin annual mammograms at age 40.
- Women at an increased risk, such as those with a family history, should undergo a complete breast evaluation at a younger age, including consideration of a risk evaluation and genetic testing.
- Make sure the center that is doing your mammogram conducts them in high volume and is accredited by the American College of Radiology. This will ensure that accurate and safe dosages of radiation are being used.
- For women planning to get pregnant, get a mammogram beforehand because mammography is NOT recommended during pregnancy.
- Women who suspect they are pregnant and who have not had a clinical breast exam within the past month should have one as soon as possible before their breasts undergo changes related to pregnancy.
- If a lump is found during pregnancy, a breast ultrasound, or sonogram, is performed, and can target the area for evaluation and aid in determining if a biopsy is needed.
- Women who have had a child and plan to have more should have a mammogram three months after either giving birth or ceasing breastfeeding to re-establish her baseline mammogram.
- If a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, it is treatable. The form of treatment depends on which trimester she is in, and she and her doctor will plan the safest treatment depending on the stage of the pregnancy.
- After giving birth, women should do their best to exercise and return to a healthy weight because excess weight is one of the biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer.
- Women know their bodies better than anyone. Do not be afraid to get a second opinion even if your doctor says “everything is normal” or “we’ll just watch it.” If you are concerned, get a second opinion. It could save your life.
About The Maurer Foundation
Dr. Virginia Maurer founded The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education in 1995, when she recognized the need among her patients for a better understanding of breast cancer—its symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, cure rates, and most importantly, the prevention of breast cancer and its relationship to lifetime good health practices. The Foundation has educated individuals in high schools and colleges, community organizations, and places of business at no cost.
