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Breast Cancer is a prevailing health issue in women but also affects men. There are several ways to help catch breast cancer at an early stage.

Mary Thompson, Director of Imaging Services at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital, recommends that women of all ages conduct occasional self-examinations. If anything is out of the ordinary, it may be a sign to schedule a mammogram.

According to a handout provided by Thompson, “start with your hands down at your sides. Look at both of your breasts to note any changes in size or shape. Also, check the color and texture of your skin,” these instructions are to be done in front of a mirror. The handout also includes instructions for women to self-examine while laying down.

“Place a pillow under your right shoulder and raise your right arm above or behind your head. Carefully feel your right breast with the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand, using a small, circular motion in an up-and-down pattern. Apply different amounts of pressure (light, medium and firm) to each area of the breast. Make sure to check all areas where breast tissue may be found–from the armpit to the breastbone and from the collarbone to the bra line. Do not lift your fingers away from the skin at any time during the exercise. Squeeze the nipple to check for discharge, then repeat these steps on the left breast,” stated the handout.

Nurse Nikki Thomas said that the hospital starts mammogram patients at 7 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.

“We usually get between 20 and 25 patients a day, and we do screenings in the afternoon and diagnostics in the morning,” she said.

Diagnostics are for patients who need additional imaging.

“With diagnostics, the patient will stay and the radiologist will look at the image before they leave to see if anything else needs to be done,” she added.

The hospital has three dimensional imaging and three dimension stereotactic biopsy capabilities, which allows for there to be a more in-depth investigation into a patient’s scans.

“Previously, it was just the two-dimensional image, now we’re getting all these images where we can locate or pinpoint areas in the breast,” said Thomas.

Thompson said that the hospital has about 4,000 to 4,500 patients coming in every year for mammograms. While women of all ages visit the hospital for mammograms, the majority of women who come are in their 50s and 60s.

“The older you get, the more likely you are to get breast cancer,” said Thomas. “A lot of women don’t realize that. It’s always between the patient and the doctor, of course, but we recommend that they come back, because chances increase with age.”

“One of the biggest things is to get your mammograms consistently every year at the same place,” said Thompson. She explained that yearly examinations are important so that doctors can track change in the breasts over time.

“Early detection is the key,” she said.

Thomas discussed recommendations for women regarding mammograms based on their age.

“We recommend that women between 35 and 40 get their first mammogram,” she said.

“From 40 to 50, every one to two years, and then at 50, we recommend women get one every year.”

“That window from 40 to 50 is really important,” Thompson added. She said women don’t have to get a doctor’s order to get a mammogram, they can just schedule one with the hospital.

The Central Scheduling Phone Number is 931-393-4800. For more information, visit https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/hospital/vanderbilt-tullahoma-harton-hospital.