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Early detection means applying a strategy that results in an
earlier diagnosis of breast cancer than otherwise might have
occurred. Breast cancers that are detected because they are
causing symptoms tend to be relatively larger and are more
likely to have spread beyond the breast. In contrast, breast
cancers found during screening examinations are more likely to
be small and still confined to the breast. The size of a
breast cancer and how far it has spread are the most important
factors in predicting the prognosis (the outlook for chances
of survival) of a woman with this disease.
Finding a breast cancer
as early as possible improves the likelihood that treatment
will be successful. Most doctors feel that early detection
tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each
year, and that many more lives could be saved if even more
women and their health care providers took advantage of these
tests.
American Cancer Society
Recommendations for Early Breast Cancer Detection Women age 40
and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and
should continue to do so for as long as they are in good
health. Women should be told about the benefits, limitations,
and potential harms linked with regular screening. Mammograms
can miss some cancers. However, mammograms despite its
limitations, remains a very effective and valuable tool for
decreasing suffering and death from breast cancer. Mammograms
for older women should be based on the individual, her health,
and other serious illnesses. Age alone should not be the
reason to stop having regular mammograms. As long as a woman
is in good health and would be a candidate for treatment, she
should continue to be screened with mammography.
You can do your part to help fight breast cancer!
Form a team for the
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Women in their 20s and 30s should
have a clinical breast examination (CBE) as part of a
periodic (regular) health exam by a health
professional preferably every 3 years. After age 40,
women should have a breast exam by a health
professional every year. There may be some benefit in
having the CBE shortly before the mammogram. The exam
should include instruction for the purpose of getting
more familiar with your own breast. Women should also
be given information about the benefits and
limitations of CBE and BSE (breast self-examination).
Breast cancer risk is very low for women in their 20s
and gradually increases with age. |
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Women should be told to
promptly report any new breast symptoms to a health
professional. BSE is an option for women starting in their
20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations
of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health
professional right away. Women who choose to do BSE should
have their BSE technique reviewed during their physical exam
by a health professional. It is okay for women to choose not
to do BSE or not to do it on a regular schedule. However, by
doing the exam regularly, you get to know how your breasts
normally feel and you can more readily detect any signs or
symptoms
If a change occurs,
such as development of
-
a lump or swelling,
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skin irritation or
dimpling,
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nipple pain or retraction
(turning inward),
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redness or scaliness of
the nipple or breast skin
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discharge other than
breast milk,
you should see your
health care provider as soon as possible for evaluation.
Remember that most of the time, however, these breast changes
are not cancer.
Women at increased risk
should talk with their doctor about the benefits and
limitations of starting mammograms when they are younger,
having additional tests, or having more frequent exams. Women
should discuss with their doctor what approaches are best for
them.
The evidence currently
available does not justify recommending ultrasound or MRI for
screening, women at increased risk might benefit from the
results. The American Cancer Society believes the use of
mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast
self-examination, according to the recommendations outlined
above, offers women the best opportunity for reducing the
breast cancer death rate through early detection. This
combined approach is clearly better than any one examination.
Without question, breast physical examination without
mammography would miss the opportunity to detect many breast
cancers that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel
but can be seen on mammograms. Although mammography is the
most sensitive screening method, a small percentage of breast
cancers do not show up on mammograms but can be felt by a
woman or her doctors.
Source:
American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Walk
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