Breast Cancer Awareness: The Fears vs The Realities of Mammograms

breast cancer myth vs reality

Simply the thought of getting a mammogram can be incredibly scary for so many women. So scary, in fact, that many women will avoid even the discussion of mammograms with their Phoenix doctor. Recent studies have shown that as many as 50% of insured women who should be getting mammograms are not getting them. At Family Practice Specialists, we understand this fear, and the many other reasons that are given for avoiding getting that very important screening. But, as family physicians who all have our own families, we do our very best to ease those fears. If you came into our offices today with a fear of mammograms, here’s what we’d say:

 
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Myths Debunked

Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and everywhere you look from the NFL to your local Phoenix physician, is turning pink to honor those who have passed, those who are survivors, and to remind everyone to educate themselves on the topic of breast cancer. At Family Practice Physicians, our Phoenix doctors want to take this opportunity to shed some light on breast cancer myths and truths.

 

If you’ve found a lump in your breast, it’s definitely going to be cancerous.

According to the American Cancer Society, most biopsy results for suspicious lumps, come back completely normal. Still, if you do find a lump in your breast, it’s imperative that you contact your Phoenix doctor for farther inspection. However, just because you find a lump does not ensure that you have breast cancer.

 
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Are E-Cigarettes Safe?

Just the other day I was sitting at a local Phoenix restaurant having a nice dinner when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a puff of smoke. As I glanced over, the gentleman sitting a few tables down from me was smoking – at least that’s what I thought. And after a few moments of confusion I realized he was smoking an E-Cigarette, indoors, legally. Recently there’s been quite a lot of talk about the effectiveness of E-Cigarettes to help people quit, and the coolness factor drawing kids in to trying these E-Cigarettes.

 
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How To Tell The Difference Between Arizona Allergies and a Sinus Infection

sinus infection_phoenix, az

All week we’ve been focusing on sinus infections vs allergies and colds. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona, you probably have figured out why. Besides the fact that monsoon season has brought about some wicked allergies, our Phoenix doctors are also seeing an increase in sinus infections this year. With that said, our Family Practice Specialists wanted to share with our patients the important differences between a sinus infection and allergies, how to notice the differences, and when to come in to see your Phoenix doctor.

 
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How To Prevent Head Injuries On and Off the Field

head injury_phoenix doctor

It’s usually around this time of year that Family Practice Specialists spend quite a lot of time talking about youth sports, particularly football and concussions. As Phoenix physicians, we are keenly aware of the benefits of team sports, while simultaneously understanding like few others the risks of team sports. Yesterday, news broke of the National Football League’s settlement of $765 million to thousands of players who had sued over head injuries. With this news comes increased awareness on the importance of keeping your child safe as they play the game of football.

 
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