Where to Get a Breast Examination in Essex-Middle River

According to CDC data from 2008, 130.3 Maryland women per 100,000 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. But early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.

Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram. Several area hospitals, including Franklin Square Medical Center and Towson's St. Joseph Medical Center, specialize in breast cancer diagnosis in treatment Going for an exam can be nerve-wracking. To better understand the importance of exams, here's helpful information that explains the process, when you should go and why: Breast self-exams There has been a lot of heated debate in the research and medical communities about the usefulness of breast self-exams in detecting breast cancer in the early stages. One cancer research organization has even …

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UPDATED: Local Organizations React To Controversial Komen Decision

After Susan G. Komen for the Cure stopped giving grants to Planned Parenthood, supporters and detractors are speaking their minds—and their wallets.

Update (11:25 a.m. Friday)—Susan G. Komen for the Cure has reversed its decision to end grants to Planned Parenthood. In a statement released Friday, the organization apologized and said it will amend grant criteria to avoid political pressure. Despite the national controversy over Susan G. Komen for the Cure ceasing funding for Planned Parenthood, it's business as usual at Planned Parenthood of Maryland. The Maryland affiliate does not receive grants from the national Komen organization or its Maryland-based affiliate, said spokeswoman ChristieLyn Diller. Planned Parenthood of Maryland operates a health center in Loch Raven. Diller said the organization has received an uptick in donations and social media messages this week. "…

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PHOTOS: Survivors, Supporters Rally at Race for the Cure

About 32,000 people were at the Komen Maryland event to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Breast cancer survivors and their supporters gathered in Hunt Valley on Saturday to participate in the 19th annual Komen Maryland Race for the Cure. About 32,000 people participated in the 5K timed competitive run, 5K recreational run, 5K walk or one-mile family fun walk, organizers said.  Did you attend the race? Add your photos to our gallery.

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Centered on Your Health

Breast Lumps: Not Always Cancerous

Franklin Square breast surgeon Dr. Atsuko Okabe stresses finding a lump does not always mean cancer.

As we strive to increase awareness of breast cancer, more and more women are performing monthly breast self-exams. That’s great, but it is also important to realize that not all lumps a woman may find are cancerous. There are numerous types of breast tumors. While doing your regular breast self-exam, you may feel a breast fibroadenoma. These feel firm, round, smooth, rubbery, and may be movable. Fibroadenomas are the most common benign (not cancerous) breast tumor in woman younger than 30 and are made of glandular and fibrous breast tissue. The exact cause of these tumors is unknown. Fibroadenomas seem to be influenced by estrogen, because they appear most often in pre-menopausal or pregnant women, or in women who are postmenopausal and …

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