Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer. It significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and prevents deaths. Regular screening tests are crucial for finding breast cancer at its early stages, when it is small and hasn't spread. Here's why you should consider getting a mammogram:
1. Detecting Cancer Before Symptoms: Screening tests aim to identify diseases in individuals without any symptoms. Early detection means finding and diagnosing breast cancer before it manifests noticeable symptoms, such as a palpable lump. By catching breast cancer early, treatment options and outcomes are greatly improved.
2. Increased Treatment Success: Breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be smaller in size, and less likely to have spread beyond the breast. The size and extent of cancer spread are vital factors in determining the prognosis for a woman with breast cancer. Early detection allows for less invasive treatment options, reducing the need for aggressive interventions like mastectomy and chemotherapy.
3. Reliable Screening Guidelines: The American Cancer Society has established screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer and those at high risk. These guidelines help healthcare providers determine when and how often women should undergo mammograms based on their individual risk factors.
4. Overcoming Barriers: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular cancer screenings, causing many individuals to miss crucial mammograms. It's essential to address any concerns or obstacles and discuss with your doctor to plan, schedule, and prioritize your regular cancer screenings.
5. Understanding Mammograms: Mammograms are low-dose x-rays specifically designed for breast imaging. These screenings can detect breast changes that may indicate cancer years before physical symptoms appear. Extensive research confirms that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer identified earlier, requiring less invasive treatments and increasing the chances of a cure.
6. 2D vs. 3D Mammograms: Digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, has gained popularity due to its potential advantages. Studies suggest that 3D mammograms may lower the rate of callbacks for further testing and detect more breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. However, it's important to consider the associated cost, as 3D mammograms may not be covered by insurance.
7. Clinical Breast Exams (CBE) and Breast Self-Exams (BSE): Research indicates that regular physical breast exams performed by healthcare professionals (CBE) or self-exams (BSE) do not provide significant benefits when combined with screening mammograms for women at average risk. However, for women at higher-than-average risk, healthcare providers may still offer clinical breast exams and provide counseling about risk and early detection. Some women may prefer to perform regular self-exams to stay familiar with their breast appearance and feel, enabling prompt reporting of any changes to healthcare providers.
8. MRI for High-Risk Women: Women at high risk for breast cancer, based on certain factors, should undergo yearly breast MRI and mammogram screenings. This includes individuals with a strong family history, known genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), previous chest radiation therapy, or specific genetic syndromes. The decision to initiate MRI and mammogram screening at age 30 should be made with healthcare providers based on personal circumstances and preferences.
9. Assessing Breast Cancer Risk: Various risk assessment tools are available to estimate a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. These tools consider factors such as family history, breast density, and personal medical history. Healthcare providers use these tools alongside screening guidelines to determine if additional screenings, like breast MRI, are necessary.
Remember, early detection through mammograms can save lives. Consult with your healthcare provider to assess your risk factors and develop a personalized breast health screening plan. If you are 40 or older and uninsured, Panhandle Breast Health can help you gain access to a free mammogram.
Comments