Staten Islanders doctors have one very important message to send this Breast Cancer Awareness Month; talk to your physician.
We caught up with Doctor Richard Steinbruck from Richmond University Medical Center for his advice on breast cancer screening.
He says early detection starts with a visit to your primary care doctor and gynecologist.
But Steinbruck says aside from clinical tests like mammographies, it's important for patients to also perform self-breast examinations to check for any changes in size or shape.
Most importantly, he says, patients should have regular contact with their physicians.
"They will be able to guide the patient to the appropriate screening processes for their age and then whatever comes from that they will be the captains of the ship to direct and coordinate further work-up, further care," said Dr. Steinbruck.
For more on breast cancer prevention and screening, go to cdc.gov/cancer