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February 8, 2010

GM Hospital offers exam classes

Self-examination is the best defense against breast cancer, experts say.

“No one knows your body better than you,” says Dana McElroy, RT(R)(M)

Mammography Coordinator for Grady Memorial Hospital. “That’s why you are the best, first line of defense against breast cancer. By knowing how to examine your breasts, you can be alert to the changes that could indicate a problem.”

Performing a monthly breast self-exam is an easy, low-cost method for early breast cancer detection, and when coupled with a regular mammogram, the risk of death due to breast cancer can be reduced by 30 percent.

Breast self-exam is recommended once a month. You don't need to see anybody for this exam, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

The exam is intended to detect breast abnormalities that you might need to call your provider about for a clinical breast exam or a diagnostic mammography.

The exam is also intended to help you become familiar with the natural inconsistencies of your breast so you are better capable of detecting any future abnormalities.

Area women will have the opportunity to learn the proper method of performing this very important test with Grady’s MammaCare tactually accurate silicone breast models.

A class will be offered from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the basement classrooms at Grady Memorial Hospital. A second class will be offered from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10, 2010 in the Basement Classrooms at GMH.

ºThe classes are free.

McElroy is a Certified BSE Instructor and teaches the method that is the recognized medical and scientific standard for self breast exam.

After this class, you should be able to detect abnormalities as small as 3mm, as well as differentiate between normal or benign breast nodularity and possible cancerous tumors.

If you are interested in attending this class, give McElroy a call at the Mammography Center at 779-2202.

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