Preventative breast health: It starts with you
An interview with Robin Virgin, MD, Family Physicians Group

Maybe you are diligent about doing a monthly breast self-exam, scheduling an annual physical, and having your annual mammogram. Or maybe you never quite seem to find the time to do them. Robin Virgin, MD describes what you and your primary care physician can do to make a great team.

Why is a monthly breast self-exam so important?

Early detection is one of the best ways to fight breast cancer, and the easiest technique is right in your own hands-no special equipment needed! While examining your breasts, nipple and areola every month, check for the following symptoms. Be sure to notify your healthcare provider of any changes, such as:

• Size and shape: Noticeable changes? Looks dimpled, puckered, scaly, like an orange peel?
• Color: More red than usual?
• Veins: More visible near the skin surface?
• Sensitivity: Tenderness, itching or pain?
• Lump or mass (often painless): Firm or hard? Irregular shape?
• Discharge from nipples: Bloody or clear? Yellow or green?

In addition to your monthly self-exam, your primary care physician can do a breast exam when you have your annual physical. Your doctor typically will do what's called palpation of the breast and tissue around it to check for any lumps. Benign lumps often feel different than cancerous lumps, so your doctor will carefully check the size, texture, and how easily any lumps may move.

Why is an annual physical so important?

As a woman, caring for those you love may be one of your most important priorities. But don't forget to take care of yourself. Having an annual physical exam gives you regular benchmarks for monitoring your health, and it also strengthens the relationship between you and your primary care physician.

By seeing you regularly, your doctor will know more about you, including your personal health history, your family health history and personal situations that affect your health. And that means your doctor can provide better, more personalized care for you.

Your primary care physician is your partner to diagnose and treat diseases, help you stay healthy, provide information about current medical technology and techniques, and coordinate your care when you need to see other specialists. Sometimes he or she can save you money by helping you to avoid unnecessary tests or trips to the emergency department. Plus, seeing your own doctor on a regular basis for checkups (rather than waiting until you are already sick) can help you focus on preventing health problems and staying in optimum health.

Why is an annual mammogram so important?

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women age 40 and older (or younger if there is a family history of breast cancer). Having an annual mammogram can help catch breast cancer early. And the earlier it's caught, the easier it is to treat breast cancer successfully.

According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, skipping regular mammograms after age 50 could double the risk of being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. Research also shows that women ages 50 to 64 who get mammograms at least every two years are 30 to 40% less likely to die from breast cancer than those who do not get screened as often.

Don't delay scheduling your mammogram any longer - call the Kearney Breast Center at 360.514.6161 today!

About Dr. Virgin

Robin W. Virgin, MD specializes in family medicine with obstetrics at Family Physicians Group at Fishers Landing, located at 16811 SE McGillivray Blvd. in Vancouver. For more information, go to www.sw-medicalgroup.org or call 360.735.8100.

Dr. Virgin completed Medical School at Oregon Health & Science University and her residency with Family Medicine of Southwest Washington in Vancouver. She also earned a B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry and did Masters-level work in Human Nutrition.

Dr. Virgin is board certified with the American Board of Family Medicine, ACLS, and NRP. Areas of interest in women's health, obstetrics, pediatric and adolescent care, diabetic care, nutrition, behavioral health, and preventative care. Married with two children, Dr. Virgin enjoys family activities involving Boy Scouts, church, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

You can locate a primary care physician for family medicine and obstetrics care on our Find a Doctor area.