Leading Medicine Fall 2023, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital edition

LEADING MEDICINE

CANCER PREVENTION

Learn How to Reduce Your Risk

Know Where to Go: ER, Virtual Care or Primary Care

Find Your Path to Weight Loss

NAVIGATING MENOPAUSE: When Does It Start?

Every woman is aware of the irritating, frustrating and even sometimes embarrassing symptoms that menopause brings, namely hot flashes. But many of us don’t understand the very basics of the major hormonal transition that marks the end of our reproductive years — including the fact that this shift doesn’t actually “start” with menopause.

PERIMENOPAUSE VS. MENOPAUSE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

is the period leading up to a woman’s final menstrual cycle. During perimenopause, a woman’s hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate, causing the classic symptoms we associate with menopause.

Menopause is based on a woman’s last menstrual cycle. It occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. It’s considered a retrospective diagnosis because we won’t know menopause has happened until we’re already beyond it.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PERIMENOPAUSE?

As your hormone levels slowly decline, most women notice the signs of perimenopause, including:

■ Hot flashes

■ Night sweats

■ Changes to your menstrual cycle

■ Mood changes

■ Headaches

■ Joint and muscle pain

■ Sleep disturbances

■ Trouble concentrating

■ Vaginal dryness

“Perimenopause can start as early as a woman’s mid-30s and last for several years before menopause occurs,” said Dr. Deanna McDonald, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

The average age of a woman’s last menstrual cycle is around age 51 in the U.S. — though some women experience it as early as age 40.

WHAT PERIMENOPAUSE TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Most women experience at least one or more symptoms of perimenopause.

“The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary widely from woman to woman,” explained McDonald. “For many women, the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause can be challenging and affect their quality of life.”

Fortunately, there are several treatments and lifestyle changes that can help women manage their symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.

Depending on which symptoms, specifically, are most bothersome to you, your doctor may recommend treatment options, such as low-dose hormonal birth control, an IUD to help control abnormal bleeding, or antidepressants to help with mood changes and hot flashes.

“Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet and stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can also help manage symptoms,” emphasized McDonald.

Lastly, it’s important to point out that perimenopausal symptoms don’t always end after menopause. Sometimes women are symptomatic for several years after menopause.

“Managing menopause symptoms is about finding the right balance of treatment options that work for each woman’s unique situation,” McDonald said. “It’s important to work closely with your doctor to make your transition as smooth as possible.” •

Take Control of Your Symptoms

If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, the obstetrician-gynecologists at Houston Methodist Sugar Land can help to determine the best course of action for you. For a referral, call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org to find a physician near you.

WHY DO I KEEP GETTING HEADACHES?

Unfortunately, there are several everyday lifestyle choices and factors that can trigger a headache.

“We are exposed to a wide variety of headache triggers in our everyday life, some of which might be surprising, but most are things we already know can disrupt our productivity and quality of life,” said Dr. Brian Walter, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates. “Identifying personal headache triggers and then avoiding or limiting exposure to them can greatly improve headache frequency and severity.”

Common headache triggers include:

■ Drinking alcohol

■ Sleep disturbances, particularly lack of sleep

■ Poor posture

■ Stress

■ Eye strain, including too much screen time

■ Caffeine (too little or too much)

■ Dehydration

■ Lack of food

■ Eating certain foods

■ Environment, particularly bright lights and intense smells

■ Hormones

■ Overusing headache medication

So, if you keep getting headaches, one or more of these common triggers may be the culprit.

WHY HEADACHES HAPPEN

It might not be top of mind when you actually have the headache, but you may eventually find yourself asking: What,s causing me to have these headaches?

“Unfortunately, we don’t have a complete understanding of why headaches happen,” said Walter. “What we know is that they generally result from changes that occur to the nerves, blood vessels and muscles in and around your head or neck — which leads to stimulation of receptors in the brain to signal pain.”

The common headaches triggers mentioned above are the culprits, although how exactly they trigger changes to the nerves, blood vessels and muscles around the brain is largely unknown.

Walter also points out that the biology likely varies by type of headache, as does where the pain is felt and the best way to treat

each type of headache. “Secondary headaches, on the other hand, occur as a result of a larger health issue — meaning these headaches happen for reasons that are more nefarious. As a clinician we investigate for red flags which can indicate a far more sinister cause of the headaches,” he explained.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

A headache here and there may not be too much of a concern. But if you are experiencing frequent or severe headaches, or if they’re affecting your quality of life, it’s important to talk to your doctor. He or she can help you identify what’s triggering your headaches and suggest ways to prevent them in the future. An evaluation from your doctor can rule out whether your headaches might be considered chronic, benefit from medications — such as in the case of migraines — or have a secondary cause. •

WHEN TO SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY

In some cases, a headache may even be a medical emergency. Seek immediate help if a headache:

• Comes on suddenly and very quickly becomes severe.

• Feels like the worst headache in your life.

• Is accompanied by a stiff neck and/or fever.

• Is accompanied by a seizure, fainting, confusion or changes in personality.

• Begins right after an injury.

• Is accompanied by weakness, numbness or vision changes.

Talk to a Specialist

If headaches are affecting your quality of life, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates can help. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ neuro-sl for more information or call 281.201.6052 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Brian Walter

5 Reasons You Need a PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

Many young adults only go looking for a doctor once they’re sick or dealing with pain. But that’s not the way it should work.

The reality is that being healthy later in life starts with your choices in your 20s and 30s, including establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) and making time for your annual physical exam.

“Without annual exams and preventive care, health issues can go unchecked for years or until they become serious problems,” explains Dr. Tiyahshi Choudhury, a board-certified family medicine physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street.

Plus, with regular checkups, your PCP becomes well-versed in your specific health history and can be a champion for your particular health goals.

Here are five reasons you should have a primary care provider:

1. GET HELP WITH THE HEALTH BASICS, SUCH AS DIET, SLEEP AND STRESS.

Left unchecked, things, such as poor sleep, being too sedentary, carrying excess weight and chronic stress over time can contribute to several serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, sleep apnea, anxiety and depression, joint and muscle pain, and more.

2. TALK WITH AN EXPERT ABOUT WHETHER WELLNESS TRENDS WORK.

There’s always some new product or diet claiming to help us lose weight or improve our health. But it’s good to be skeptical of the health trends you run across in the news or your social feeds.

It would be best if you also asked your doctor before taking a new supplement. Supplements typically aren’t harmful, but there’s no guarantee. Your doctor can help ensure you’re taking supplements safely.

3. BE PROACTIVE BECAUSE YOU’RE NEVER “TOO YOUNG” TO HAVE A HEALTH ISSUE.

Many people skip their annual physical exam for years, thinking they’re too young to worry about their health. But data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 18% of young women and 13% of young men have at least one

chronic health condition. Choudhury points out that this is why preventive screenings, wellness exams and checkups are important at all ages — to catch any underlying health condition you may not be aware of.

“Annual physical exams are a proactive measure that can help identify health concerns and risks before the onset of chronic illness,” explains Choudhury.

4. FIND CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT LURK QUIETLY IN THE BACKGROUND.

There are things you can’t really miss — acid reflux, asthma or recurrent urinary tract infections. But regular wellness exams and age-appropriate screenings are the only way to catch the harmful health issues that don’t have obvious symptoms, such as elevated blood pressure, prediabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. It’s why many of these are often referred to as “silent killers.”

5. HAVE A FIRST POINT OF CONTACT TO STREAMLINE CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT.

Whether you need to see a PCP for an acute illness, such as a bad cold, or you’re experiencing lingering symptoms that won’t go away, having an established PCP can make sure you get quality care quickly.

“The ultimate goal of the annual physical exam is to provide you with the preventive care that can help you take control of your health before things go wrong,” explains Choudhury. Plus, annual physical exams are free with most health insurance plans, included as a no-cost preventive benefit to you. So why not take advantage? •

Make an Appointment

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street provides primary care that’s personalized for you and your unique needs. To make an appointment, visit houstonmethodist. org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678

Dr. Tiyahshi Choudhury

Emergency Care, Virtual Urgent Care or Primary Care:

KNOW WHERE TO GO

Emergency Care, Urgent Care or Primary Care: KNOW WHERE TO GO

When you’re in pain or feeling very ill, where should you go for medical care? Choosing the right place at the right time can help you get the care you need. EMERGENCY

Symptoms that generally signal an emergency include:

Allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling or hives

Chest pain or squeezing sensation in the chest

Broken bones

Head, neck or spine injury

Intense pain, including severe headache or abdominal pain

Loss of consciousness

Major burns or electric shock

Pregnancy-related issues, such as severe cramping or bleeding

Poisoning or suspected overdose

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Sudden slurred speech, visual changes, or weakness on one side of the body

Suicidal thoughts

Uncontrolled bleeding

Make an appointment with a virtual urgent care doctor for minor illnesses, such as:

Coughs, cold or flu

Constipation or diarrhea

Fevers

Heartburn

Pink or red eyes

Sinus infections

Sore throat or strep throat

Urinary tract infection (women only)

Find Care Near You

Make an appointment with your primary care doctor for the following:

Minor health concerns

Preventive and routine care

Screenings and vaccinations

Managing health conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc.)

Referrals to specialty care

Emergency Care: Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find emergency care near you. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911.

Convenient Care from Home: Access nonemergency urgent care 24/7 via video visit. Download the MyMethodist app or visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care to learn more.

Stay Healthy: To find a primary care provider, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678 . You can schedule an appointment at any one of our conveniently located Primary Care Group clinics across Southwest Houston.

HEALTHY SOLUTIONS For Cancer Prevention

We’ve all been impacted in some shape or form by cancer. It is one of the most prevalent health concerns in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that in 2023 alone, there will be over 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in the country. While these numbers are overwhelming, there are ways you and your loved ones can fight back.

The most common cancer types include:

■ Breast

■ Colorectal

■ Lung

■ Prostate

■ Skin

REDUCE YOUR RISK

“Knowledge, awareness, and early action are the foundational pillars of cancer prevention,” said Dr. Patrick Prath, a board-certified medical oncologist specializing in genitourinary medical oncology, thoracic medical oncology and hematology at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land.

YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST CANCER

Detecting cancer in its earliest stages increases the chances of successful treatment and improves overall outcomes. It allows for a broader range of treatment options that are often less invasive and more effective. Plus, early detection improves the chances of complete recovery and long-term survival. Regular screenings with your doctor and being attuned to your body’s signals are vital to catching

cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable.

Know Your Body

One of the most important steps you can take is to be familiar with your body’s normal patterns. Prath advises paying attention to any changes or unusual symptoms that continue for an extended period. “Pay attention to any unexplained weight loss, changes to your skin, persistent pain, or unusual bleeding or discharge,” Prath said. “These signs should be taken seriously and discussed with a health care professional.”

Stay Connected With Your Doctor

Establishing a close relationship with a doctor who understands your medical history and can

Limit Alcohol

Fewer drinks per week can lower a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

Between 30-50% of cancers are preventable by eliminating your risk factors and adding a healthy routine.

It’s never too late to get proactive in your health. Reduce your risk with these simple lifestyle changes and promote your overall well-being.

Don’t Smoke

Not just for your lungs but stop smoking for your overall health.

Exercise

Add movement by taking the stairs, parking farther away or gardening.

guide you through screenings and exams is invaluable. Regular checkups and open communication allow your doctor to monitor your health, address any concerns and recommend appropriate screenings based on your risk factors.

Get Regular Screenings

Routine screenings are crucial in detecting cancer early. Houston Methodist offers state-of-the-art screenings for various types of cancers — breast, cervical, colon and rectal, lung, ovarian, prostate, skin and uterine. When and what screenings you need vary depending on your age, gender, family history and other risk factors.

“Your primary care provider (PCP) is your first line of defense in preventing cancer,” explained Prath. “He or she will navigate you through prevention strategies and facilitate timely interventions.”

Be Your Advocate

Take an active role in your health care by asking questions, sharing any changes or concerns, and discussing your family’s medical history with your doctor. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. It’s important to gather different perspectives when facing a potential cancer diagnosis. •

Wear Sunscreen

Protect

LUNG CANCER SCREENING CRITERIA: WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?

Most health insurance plans cover lung cancer screenings, provided you meet the following criteria:

■ Between the ages 50-77

■ A current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years

■ 20 pack years (multiply the number of packs per day by the number of years smoked)

The screening costs $225 for noninsured or those not wishing to use insurance. Your doctor will need to order the screening.

First Stop: Your Primary Care Provider

When it comes to discussing cancer prevention and which screenings may be right for you, your PCP is a good place to start. Your doctor can help guide you to cancer screening tests appropriate for your age and risk level. To find a PCP near you or schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 832.416.1678

Time to See a Specialist

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-sl or call 281.201.6669 to find an oncologist with Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land.

Get Screened

Make sure you get screened regularly.

HOW TO SIDESTEP SPORTS INJURIES

As a parent of a young athlete or even a weekend warrior yourself, you know it’s important to play it smart to avoid sports injuries. Dr. Nish Shah, a board-certified primary care sports medicine physician with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land, encourages athletes to adjust their training by participating in a wide range of sports instead of a long-term focus on one sport.

“Some athletes push too hard for performance in one specific skill set, such as swinging, throwing, running or weightlifting. Throwing too hard or too frequently can cause shoulder overuse injuries or elbow pain for baseball, softball and tennis players. For runners, overdoing it may cause knee pain or shin splints,” Shah explained.

Athletes who play sports that involve sudden stops, jumps and quick changes in direction are at risk for knee injuries. “Meniscus tears or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common in sports, such as football, basketball and soccer. You need medical care right away for any meniscus or ACL tears.” Shah stated.

Treatment for shoulder and knee injuries may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines, steroid injections, and in some cases, surgery.

PREVENTION IS KEY

One of the best ways to stay active and in the game is to head off a sports injury before it happens. For the prevention of sports injuries, Shah says to:

■ Wear well-fitting shoes and use proper equipment designed for the sport.

■ Start out slow with a new training regimen and take breaks for your body to rest.

■ Warm up and stretch before and after exercising.

■ Incorporate cross-training activities for a balanced workout routine.

■ Listen to your body. Avoid playing when you’re tired or in pain.

Shah also reminds parents of young athletes to be careful not to push them too hard. “It’s better to let your child sit out for a short amount of time while he or she fully recovers than to deal with recurring injuries,” he said. “Encourage kids to enjoy a variety of sports for better health and recovery.” •

PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION

Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s orthopedic, physical and occupational therapy specialists are here to help you recover from arthritis, orthopedic surgery and sports-related injuries. Our services include:

■ Aquatic therapy

■ Certified hand therapy

■ Occupational therapy

■ Physical therapy

Dr. Nish L. Shah

Finding the Right Path to WEIGHT LOSS

It’s natural to gravitate toward quick fixes for shedding those extra pounds. After all, we are bombarded with trendy diets and medications that claim rapid success. But do they work in the long run and are they even good for you?

According to Dr. Aman Ali, a board-certified bariatric surgeon with Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land, diet modification is the first thing to address. “When a patient comes to our clinic, our goal is to educate them on healthy eating habits. We have various nutrition plans that I tailor to each individual patient. My goal is to give them a realistic plan that they can afford and maintain for successful, long-term weight loss,” he said.

MEDICATIONS: A HELPING HAND, NOT A MAGIC PILL

Thanks to social media, drugs, such as semaglutide, gained immense popularity as a weight-loss miracle worker — promising quick results and dramatic transformations. It is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, working to regulate blood sugar levels and indirectly contributing to weight loss. But there are many misconceptions floating around about how this drug works.

“Oftentimes patients come to me after they’re already on these drugs and upset that they haven’t achieved meaningful weight loss and experiencing severe side effects,” said Ali. “I help to reeducate them because of misinformation from social media or from physicians who are not weight-loss experts.”

We Can Help

Ali stresses the importance of seeking guidance from a bariatric specialist if you are considering taking a drug, such as semaglutide. A specialist can help determine if this drug is the right choice for your weight loss goals. If you are prescribed them, the doctor will continue to monitor the drug’s effectiveness and address any potential side effects.

“Weight loss isn’t achieved by medication alone,” Ali said. “Healthy eating habits and regular physical activity have to be integrated to achieve sustainable weight loss.”

SURGERY: A LIFELINE FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS

Surgery is a life-changing option for individuals who have struggled with obesity and are unable to achieve sustainable weight loss through other methods. Guidelines for surgery have evolved, and now those with a BMI of 30 or above with obesity-related comorbidities, can qualify for surgical intervention.

Patients at Houston Methodist Sugar Land get comprehensive intervention that extends more than a year after surgery. A team of dietitians, bariatric social workers and psychologists help make the weight loss results from surgery a lasting change.

“It’s not just surgery that’s going to help. It’s surgery plus dieting, plus changing all your lifestyle habits,” Ali said. “After surgery, the weight loss number on the scale will always go down. But that’s not the most important result, it’s the overall improvement in health with resolution of obesity-related comorbidities. That’s why I do what I do.” •

If you are unable to lose weight on your own successfully, let the weight loss specialists at Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery at Sugar Land help you get started. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ weight-management or call 281.903.5346 to get started.

Dr. Aman Ali

COMMON UROLOGIC PROBLEMS for Men

It’s crucial that men take control of their own health. As September is Prostate Awareness Month, now is a great time to learn about the prostate and other urological conditions specific to men.

“As men get older, it’s quite common for men to develop urologic conditions,” said Dr. Zachary Mucher, a board-certified urologist with Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land. “One of the best decisions you can make is to get checked out.”

Mucher explains below the common urologic conditions and symptoms for men to experience as they age.

COMMON UROLOGIC CONDITIONS FOR MEN

Enlarged Prostate

Symptoms: urination increased frequency, difficulty or dribbling at the end of urination.

“At around age 25, the prostate begins a constant growth phase called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),” said Mucher, “BPH is a normal part of aging, but if you’re experiencing any urinary problems, you should see your doctor.” A doctor’s visit may include a digital rectal exam (DRE), urine test or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

Prostate Cancer

Symptoms: urination problems, blood in semen, pelvic discomfort, bone pain and weight loss.

A common concern for men, most prostate cancer cases grow slowly and are isolated to the prostate, but some are more aggressive and may spread quickly to other parts of the body. “It can be difficult to catch this cancer early since it has no signs or symptoms in early stages,” Mucher explained. “I recommend having a DRE or PSA test if you are older than 50.”

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Symptom: trouble getting and keeping an erection.

Persistent ED can sometimes be a sign of other health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, alcoholism, depression and stress.

Urinary Incontinence (UI)

Symptom: minor leaking to uncontrollable wetting.

“UI usually happens when the muscles that control the bladder

are either too weak or too active,” Mucher explained. “Other times it’s due to drinks, foods, medications or an underlying condition, such as urinary stones.”

Low Testosterone (male hypogonadism)

Symptoms: low sex drive, low sperm count, bone loss, depression and more.

Testosterone levels slowly decrease naturally starting in a man’s 30s. “Hypogonadism is usually caused by various medical conditions,” Mucher said. “We can determine the right treatment after narrowing down the exact cause.”

Infertility

Diagnosed when a couple is not able to conceive after a year or longer of unprotected sex.

In the case of infertility, talk with your doctor if you’ve been trying to conceive for at least a year or have a history of testicular or prostate problems. Some types of infertility are preventable.

STAYING HEALTHY

Most men’s urologic conditions can be managed by choosing a healthy lifestyle, which includes:

■ Eating fruits and vegetables.

■ Exercising regularly.

■ Maintaining a healthy weight.

■ Reducing stress.

■ Managing chronic health conditions.

■ Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake.

■ Practicing pelvic floor exercises for UI.

■ Seeing your primary care physician regularly. •

Find Relief

Urologic problems are sensitive issues, so you need a compassionate team to evaluate your condition and recommend next steps. To schedule an appointment with a urologist at Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/urology to learn more or call 281.746.6611

Dr. Zachary Mucher

Make Time for Your ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and serves as a reminder for you to schedule your annual screening mammograms.

In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. women and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. One of the most important steps in beating this cancer is early detection through your annual mammogram. However, many women still put it off or skip it altogether.

WHEN DO I NEED TO GET A MAMMOGRAM?

Women with an average risk of breast cancer should start getting screened at age 40. If your doctor says you are at a higher risk for breast cancer, you may need a mammogram prior to age 40.

“Mammograms are quick and easy, and any discomfort is usually minor and short-lived,” encouraged Dr. Michelle O’Shea, a board-certified surgeon at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land. “The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes, and the actual mammogram itself only takes a few seconds.”

Here are a few reasons why O’Shea recommends making time for your mammogram every year.

EARLY DETECTION IS CRITICAL

Having a mammogram every year is the best way to ensure that

WHAT IS A NURSE NAVIGATOR?

The nurse navigators at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land are an integral part of the patient care team. These highly trained and compassionate nurses are a single point of contact for patients throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis to survivorship. They help understand diagnoses, coordinate appointments and treatments, and provide emotional and practical support. By working closely with other members of the cancer care team, nurse navigators ensure that each patient receives the best possible care and best possible outcomes. Visit houstonmethodist.org/oncology-nurse-navigator or call 281.276.8989 to learn more.

a breast tumor is caught early, so early detection is key to improving a woman’s prognosis. When caught early via mammography, a woman is more likely to save her breast and less likely to have cancer spread into lymph nodes, which improves survival.

MAMMOGRAMS SAVE LIVES

Research shows that women beginning yearly mammograms at age 40 (or younger if at high risk) reduce their chances of dying from breast cancer by almost 40%.

“Mammograms have the ability to detect breast cancer in women who have no symptoms at all,” O’Shea said. “This is why it’s so important to get a mammogram every year, even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.”

O’Shea recommends that all women should opt for a 3D mammogram over a traditional 2D mammogram since the dose of radiation is similar and it feels the same to the woman, but it gives the radiologist much more information about a woman’s breasts. 3D imaging allows the layers of breast tissue (often called dense) to be separated to help find small changes that could hide on a flat image.

“Getting a mammogram every year is an important step in protecting your breast health,” O’Shea emphasized. “It’s covered by insurance in almost all cases. Most importantly, it can detect breast cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat.” •

Schedule Your Mammogram

Regular screenings are key to early detection. To schedule a mammogram appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care-sl or call 281.242.PINK (7465) .

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with a surgeon with Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.724.4276

Dr. Michelle O’Shea

16655

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MAMMOGRAM

The recommended age to start your annual mammogram is 40. Schedule yours today.

At Houston Methodist Breast Care Centers, our board-certified experts use the latest imaging technology to provide you with cutting-edge breast screenings — such as 3D mammograms — to detect even the smallest lumps and abnormalities with accuracy. We offer:

• 10+ convenient locations across Houston

• Online scheduling with readily available appointments

• Expanded hours available at most locations

• Access to medical records and test results through MyChart