Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, regardless of the country or age. According to statistics, approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in 33 women will die from it. Also note that 83% of cases occur in women over 50.
Although the number of cancers diagnosed has increased slightly in the last 30 years, screening, diagnostic and treatment techniques have greatly evolved, making it one of the easiest cancers to treat. The mortality rate linked to this cancer is therefore constantly decreasing.
Although it is a little-known fact, men can also get breast cancer: less than 1% of all breast cancers affect men.
Staying vigilant and getting screened regularly is essential to detect breast cancer at an early stage, thus maximizing the chances of recovery.
Here’s what you need to know about breast cancer screening.
A Quick Look at Breast Cancer
Photo: Bill Diodato/Getty Images
Breasts are made up of fat, glands, and ducts that produce milk. Breast cancer is the development of abnormal cells that grow out of control in the affected breast.
Breast cancer is generally thought to take several months or even years to develop, so it’s important to find the tumor as soon as possible. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of surviving without too many aftereffects.
Causes
It’s impossible to pinpoint the specific causes of this form of cancer in any one person. However, there are several risk factors to consider. Here are a few:
Age
8 out of 10 breast cancers occur after age 50.
Personal history
A woman who has had breast cancer in the past is at a higher risk of developing another form of cancer.
Family History of Breast Cancer
You are at higher risk if your mother, sister or daughter in your family was diagnosed before menopause.
Certain Genetic Mutations
Only a small number of breast cancers (5 to 10%) are hereditary, some of which are caused by genetic mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2). These mutations can increase the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer by up to 80%.
Reproductive History
Early menstruation, late menopause, pregnancy after age 30 or no pregnancy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone therapy, in certain circumstances, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Alcohol
Even low alcohol consumption (a little more than one drink per day) increases the risk of breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The warning signs of breast cancer are varied. In addition, even if you experience any of the following symptoms, they may be caused by something other than cancer. Only a medical diagnosis can confirm or rule out the presence of cancer cells in your breasts, which is why it is important to report any changes to your usual state of health. You should see a doctor if you notice any of the following.
1- A lump in the breast or armpit;
2- A discharge of fluid from the nipple;
3- A nipple that turns inward;
4- A change in the appearance of the skin on your breast: orange peel, redness, warmth, desquamation (peeling skin);
5- A change in the shape of the breast (sunken or bulging).
Also read: Pathology And Breast Cancer At A Global Level
Treatment of Breast Cancer
If, after a thorough medical examination, your doctor confirms the presence of a cancerous tumor, treatment will then need to be considered to eradicate the disease. Your specialist will be able to tell you what will apply best to your case:
Mastectomy
This is surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on its size, the breast is partially or completely removed.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is generally used after surgery to ensure that all local cancer cells have disappeared.
Chemotherapy
This consists of medications that are administered orally or by injection, after surgery, to eliminate any cancer cells that may have “escaped” elsewhere than in the breast.
Hormone Therapy
In some cases, taking specific hormones can slow or stop the progression of cancer cells.
Breast Cancer and Screening
Photo: EvgeniyShkolenko/Getty Images
Several women are still alive and well today because their breast cancer was noticed and treated at early stages. It is important to remember that no cancer screening test is completely foolproof.
For example, a screening test may indicate the presence of cancer when it is not, or it may miss cancer cells that are actually present. Overall, however, the fact is that screening can save lives.
You should discuss screening measures with your doctor, who will be able to advise you on the best course of action based on your age and personal risk factors. Here are the measures recommended for women by the Cancer Societies.
Breast Cancer In Women of All Ages
It is important to know the normal state of your breasts. There is no real right or wrong way to examine them, as long as you cover the entire surface extending to the collarbone and under the armpits without forgetting the nipple. This will allow you to detect any abnormalities or changes and notify your doctor as soon as possible.
For Women Aged 40 to 49
You should have a clinical breast exam every two years, by a qualified health professional. Depending on your family and personal history, mammograms may also be an option. However, it is important to know that mammograms performed on women under 50 sometimes give false positive results, which creates unnecessary stress for the woman. You will need to address this point and discuss it with your doctor.
For Women Aged 50 to 69
You must also have a clinical breast exam every two years, which will be supplemented by a screening mammogram (also every 2 years). A mammogram is an X-ray of breast tissue: the specialist takes several breast images to detect any abnormalities or suspicious tumors. This exam is performed in a specialized clinic or a breast cancer screening center. In Europe, every woman reaching the age of 50 receives a letter inviting her to undergo breast cancer screening.
For Women Over 70
You should consult your doctor; he or she will be able to advise you adequately on screening.
For Women Who Are at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Your chances of developing breast cancer may be higher than average, for example, if you have a strong family history or if you are a carrier of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
In this case, you should discuss with your doctor a personal screening plan that could include mammograms at a younger age or at more frequent intervals and other tests such as MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and breast ultrasounds.
Find more information check the local websites of the Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Society.
Note
The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and will allow you to ask informed questions to your doctor. In no case can it replace the advice of a health professional.
Need Help in Content and Academic Writing
https://independent.academia.edu/shamsulIslam8
Would you like more advice? Do you have good practices to share? Please feel free to express yourself in the comments. Also, if you want help in writing content to drive more traffic and boost conversions, please get in touch through Contact our team or send your requirements here.
Recommended for you:
Prevent the Risk of Breast Cancer by Eating Pineapple
Best Foods for Breast Cancer Prevention
Coconut Oil Kills 93 Percent of Colon Cancer Cells
