When did you last do a self-breast exam?  When was your last pap smear? When will you need your next or first mammogram? What is your family history of breast cancer? As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, these questions have no doubt crossed your mind lately. Our breast health is at the forefront of our minds right now and for good reason.  1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime – that’s a 12% chance! We all have been affected by breast cancer in some way (either ourselves, a friend, or loved one) and know early detection and regular checks are important, but what does this really mean for us? What do doctors really recommend? For most of us our OBGYN is our “go-to” doctor and the one we see regularly and that is a great place to start. 96% of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer free after 5 years.  That is an amazing stat – and not one we should take for granted! We had a chance to chat with Dr. Chris Allphin, an Idaho Falls OBGYN, at Monarch Healthcare about exactly what women should be doing for their overall healthcare and breast health.

Dr. Allphin knows that women turn to their OBGYN for healthcare beyond pregnancy and that is exactly what brought him into the field of women’s healthcare.  He loves that obstetrics and gynecology allow him to treat patients throughout motherhood. He gets to deliver babies, stay connected to his patients, and see their families grow.  His #1 reminder to moms is to see our OBGYN for annual exams EVERY YEAR. As I spoke with him about what we (women) should be doing to be proactive against breast cancer, the conversation naturally went back to yearly exams. Even though a woman with no history of abnormal pap smears is only recommended to have a pap every 3-5 years, yearly breast exams are so important.

So, step one: get to your OBGYN annually.

Here’s what else we should be thinking about and planning for:

Self Breast Exams

• Do a self-check 4 times a year (think every time the season changes).  Do this in the shower and feel for any lumps. Be on the lookout for hard bumps or anything new.  Cancerous lumps are rarely painful but consult with your doctor if anything makes you uncomfortable.  Also, check yourself out in the mirror (its fine – you look fabulous). Look for any dimpling or skin changes as well.

Mammograms

• All women 40 and over should get a mammogram every year.  Talk with your women’s healthcare provider about the best time for your first mammogram.  A discussion about your own history and your family history will determine if a mammogram is recommended prior to age 40. Speaking of family history…

BRCA Gene Testing

• We’ve been hearing more and more about testing for BRCA 1 and 2.  Dr. Allphin provided some clarification and suggestions for us. Women should take a close look at family history of breast cancer when considering BRCA testing.  Consider both your mother and father’s side of the family and think about close relatives. Mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers. If those family members have been diagnosed, you may want to discuss the test with your doctor.  Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the cost of the test after knowing your family history. A simple blood draw in the office, and 1-2 weeks will have results. If a mutation of the BRCA gene is found, your doctor may recommend 2-4 office exams and/or mammograms a year.  While BRCA testing is not necessary for all women, for those with a family history testing could lead to the early detection that is so critical. 

Bottom line – check out your breasts every time the seasons change and see an OBGYN like Dr. Allphin for annual exams every year.  During October, we take extra time to support and honor those diagnosed and to support research and awareness but true prevention should happen throughout the year.

Dr. Chris Allphin attended BYU in Provo, Utah prior to medical school and his residency in St. Louis, Missouri.  Dr. Allphin has been with Monarch Healthcare for 5 years and is proud to be part of such a caring and committed staff.  He and his wife live in Shelley where she makes adorable mouse ears (The Mouse Hatter shop – so fun!) Their four kids range in age from 6 through 14.

Read more about women’s healthcare and Monarch here:
3 Things You Should Be Asking Your OBGYN