1 in 8 women will have a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. There are many words that can strike fear in a woman's heart. Breast cancer is definitely among them. This fear is not unwarranted. A breast cancer diagnosis, at least initially, represents the fear of the unknown. Will I die? Will I lose my hair? Will I lose my breast? What will happen to my family? There's no way around it, breast cancer is scary. Although a scary diagnosis, early diagnosis and improved treatment modalities have greatly improved life expectancy. A woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis today has >90% survival rate after 5 years.
Screening Can Save Lives
Breast Self-Awareness-Current recommendation is for women to be aware of the normal appearance of their breasts. Understanding the normal feel and appearance of your breast will make it easier to notice any changes. If you notice any changes, contact your medical provider.
Clinical Breast Exam-A clinical breast exam is recommended every 1-3 years for women ages 25-39. Yearly clinical breast exam begins at age 40.
Mammogram-A mammogram is a 2D breast x-ray. The breast tissue is placed on a paddle and compressed. Women report some discomfort with mammogram screening. The discomfort is brief and doesn't last beyond the exam.
Tomosynthesis is a 3D mammogram that provides sectional images of the breast. These images are achieved by using a bar that hovers above the machine moving in an arc pattern. This 3D mammogram can be better at detecting a cancer while decreasing false positive results in dense breasts This method also uses paddles to compress the breast. Still some short lived breast discomfort.
The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends beginning mammogram screening at age 40 for women of average risk. Under this guideline mammograms will occur every two years until the age of 74.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends annual mammograms for women ages 45-54. The screening becomes every two years at age 55.
As women it is important for us to own our healthcare. Talk to your provider about your risk and mammogram schedule.
Ultrasound-Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images. Typically, w woman will be laying down and a technician will scan breasts using a transducer. For women with dense breast ultrasound can be beneficial. It can identify concerns not seen or follow-up on concerns identified on mammogram. Ultrasound can identify if a lump is cystic (fluid filled) or solid (tumor). Overall, ultrasound is less painful.
Signs/Symptoms
* Lump
* Nipple Changes (Flat or inverted nipple or nipple discharge)
* Thickened Skin
* Dimpled Skin (Think the skin of an orange peel)
* Changes is size or shape of breast
* Changes in the color
* Scaly, flaky skin
Risk Factors
* Family history of breast cancer
* Positive for BRCA gene
* Alcohol consumption
* Overweight/obesity
* Post menopausal
* Delayed first childbirth after 30 years old
* Hormone Replacement Therapy
* Hormonal birth control use
* Early or late onset of menses
Breast cancer is a daunting thought at best. Healthy diet, exercise and moderating alcohol can decrease the likelihood of a breast cancer diagnosis. Consistent breast screening and breast awareness can alert you sooner while improving the odds of recovery.
While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month it is important we are vigilant in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, knowing our breast and completing routine breast health screen are important every month of the year. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice and symptoms or changes in your breasts
If you are unable to afford the cost of breast screening contact your local health department. There are programs available to assist with the cost of screening.
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