At Karen F. Brodman, MD, PLLC, proactive health management is the cornerstone of lifelong wellness. Our board-certified gynecologist, Karen F. Brodman, MD, has spent over 35 years helping women in New York City navigate their health journeys with trust and respect.
As part of our comprehensive gynecologic care, we emphasize the vital role of preventive screenings. Understanding why screening for breast cancer is so important can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Screening for breast cancer is essential because it allows us to detect abnormal cellular changes long before physical symptoms, like lumps, develop. Finding breast cancer early increases the success of treatment and improves long-term survival rates.
Many women believe they only need to worry about breast cancer if it runs in their family. However, scientific reality shows that about 75% of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer have absolutely no family history of the disease, according to Veterans Affairs. Inherited gene mutations only account for 5-10% of cases.
This is why routine screening is necessary for every woman, regardless of her family history.
The most effective method for breast cancer screening is 3D mammography. This advanced imaging technology takes multiple 3D slices of breast tissue, making it much easier to find tumors in dense tissue while reducing unnecessary callbacks.
Some people believe that manual self-exams are an equal substitute for professional imaging, or that mammogram radiation is highly dangerous. That’s not true.
In reality, the National Breast Cancer Coalition notes that routine self-exams aren’t enough.
Furthermore, modern mammograms use an extremely low dose of radiation. This exposure is equivalent to just a few weeks of natural background radiation we absorb daily on Earth.
Dr. Brodman personalizes your breast cancer screening plan by evaluating your individual risk factors, including your age, breast density, and medical history. This allows her to determine the exact screening frequency and technology that best fits your unique body.
For women with a lifetime risk of breast cancer over 20-25%, or those with known genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, Dr. Brodman may recommend supplemental annual breast MRIs starting at an earlier age, in line with American Cancer Society guidelines.
Your health is our top priority. Whether you need to schedule a routine well-woman exam or discuss your personal risk factors, Dr. Brodman is here to guide you.
To take charge of your health, please contact the office of Karen F. Brodman, MD, PLLC, in New York, New York, today to schedule an appointment.
