(607NewsNow) — Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosis among women in the United States. Most doctors recommend women start getting bi-annual mammograms at age 40, but many hesitate to make an appointment. Dr. Tran Tu Huynh, general surgeon at Cayuga Health, a member of Centralus Health, says many patients worry over the results before they’ve even been seen.

“There’s a fear that something may be found. I think it’s helpful for patients to know, one in eight women develop breast cancer. That means seven out of eight women don’t,” Dr. Huynh says.

As of May 2025, the American Cancer Society reported more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, including women who completed treatment and those who are still going through the treatment process. Catching cancer early, while it’s still localized and hasn’t had a chance to spread, can make the road to recovery much smoother.

Finding a lump or bump in the early stages of cancer leads to more options. Depending on the diagnosis, patients may not need to undergo aggressive treatments, potentially bypassing extensive surgery, chemotherapy and other invasive interventions. Dr. Huynh says early detection gives people more time to work out a personalized treatment plan with their provider, allowing them to focus on their wants and needs.

Mammograms play a vital role in breast cancer screenings. The low-dose radiation 3D imaging technology offered at Arnot Health and Cayuga Health is the first line of defense in breast cancer detection. Mammograms compress the breast, which spreads out the breast tissue, improves image quality and reduces the amount of radiation needed for imaging. The squeezing sensation associated with mammograms is often associated with pain, soreness, and tenderness. The entire appointment typically takes less than 45 minutes, but the actual compression time is shorter. Dr. Huynh says the imaging team does their best to limit discomfort during the seconds-long screening process.

“We have a great, experienced team at Cayuga Health that help patients in minimizing any pain people may have experienced elsewhere.”

If a mammography technologist finds a suspicious mass or any other kind of abnormality, patients will be called back to the office. Patients can expect same day results from most Centralus Health offices.

While most organizations no longer recommend self-examinations as a form of detection, the Mayo Clinic says self-examinations can help you stay aware of the normal shape and feel of your breasts.

“I’ve always told patients that they tend to know their own body better. Anything they haven’t felt before, whether it’s new or different, is worth bringing up,” says Dr. Shane Thorp, general surgeon at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health.

Early warning signs to bring up to a primary care provider include new lumps in the breast or armpit, thickening or swelling in the breast, nipple discharge, breast pain or tenderness, and irritation or dimpling of the skin. These symptoms can’t be traced back to breast cancer based on look alone. A provider will need to assess the symptoms in person and may recommend additional testing.

“Usually they’re diagnosed here, in the Health Center for Women. We can also do a biopsy,” Dr. Thorp says.

While timely treatment is important, Dr. Thorp says not every diagnosis requires immediate action. A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly overwhelming and trigger significant emotional distress, anxiety, and fear. Having access to an oncology team can alleviate some of the worry by providing crucial information and support. Patients can gain a better understanding of their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.

Dr. Tran Tu Huynh, general surgeon at Cayuga Health, a member of Centralus Health.

Cayuga Health offers mammograms at their main campus, 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4227; East Campus, 10 Arrowwood Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4227; Cayuga Imaging Services at Cayuga Park, (607) 274-4155; Cortland Urgent Care, 1129 Commons Avenue, Cortland, (607) 756-7200 and Schuyler Hospital, 220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls, (607) 535-8613.

Arnot Health offers mammograms at the Health Center for Women, 600 Fitch Street, Elmira on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., (607) 737–8140, and the Corning Medical Office Building,123 Conhocton Street in Corning, (607) 795–8080.