Guest commentary: Mammograms help detect breast cancer sooner
More than 30% of women over the age of 40 have not been screened with a preventive mammogram in the last two years. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), which raises the concern about missed opportunities for early-stage detection.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women who are at average risk get screened for breast cancer every other year, starting when they’re 40 years old and continuing through age 74. If there is a family history of breast cancer, a physician may recommend a mammogram before 40 years old. Some physicians also recommend being screened each year instead of every two years. Working alongside physician advocates, it’s important that each patient make a plan that’s specific to their family history and risk levels.
Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year. A mammogram is the gold standard for detecting breast cancer early. When it’s caught in earlier stages, chances of survival are much greater.
DETECTION BEFORE SYMPTOMS
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast and decades of research show that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to find issues sooner, resulting in less aggressive treatments.
Getting a mammogram should be part of every woman’s regular medical routine. Ensuring preventive measures supports early detection. Regular screenings can find changes that occur in the breast before any physical symptoms (such as lumps) start to show. If something looks suspicious, further tests will be performed to determine if there is cause for concern and what next steps to take.
A mammogram is only the first step to determine whether there is an issue that needs to be addressed further.
MINORITY WOMEN AT HIGHER RISK
Minority women are more likely to develop breast cancer and at a younger age than white women. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. For example, triple-negative breast cancer is twice as common in Black women.
If regular screenings are performed for all, the chance of catching any potential cancer is improved and chances of survival are much greater.
3D, MRIs AND FALSE POSITIVES
When someone gets a mammogram, it is likely going to be a 2D mammogram. A 3D mammogram is an option for women with dense breasts. A breast MRI would be performed for women who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, such as those who have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% or more.
Genetic testing can be performed at Lee Health for women who have a family history of breast cancer to determine if they carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which will potentially put them at a higher risk for developing the disease.
Women, especially those with dense breasts, may also experience false positives with their mammograms or follow up screenings. More sensitive screening methods, such as MRIs or 3D mammograms, can pick up more false positives because the screening methods are more sensitive in nature and likely to flag more potential abnormalities.
When more abnormalities are present, further testing is needed to rule out all issues and ensure the patient has proper treatment and support. Additional follow ups to screenings do not mean it could be a positive breast cancer screening, but rather an opportunity to gather important information.
EARLY DETECTION IS IMPORTANT
It is not uncommon for cancer to be developing in the body before physical symptoms start to show, making screening tests like mammograms a crucial tool toward detecting any issues as soon as possible. If breast cancer is caught early, it gives the cancer less of a chance to spread to other parts of the body, making it much easier to treat and more manageable for the patient.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular mammograms.
For more information on how to do a breast self-exam, mammograms or to schedule an appointment for a mammogram, please visit www.leehealth.org.
NOTICE SOMETHING ABNORMAL
We are our body’s biggest advocates. If anything feels abnormal, it’s important to make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible.
Consult a physician if you notice any of the following:
– Nipple discharge that is bloody or clear
– A lump in the breast
– Flattening of the nipple
– Changes to the breast’s skin texture
– Dimpling of the skin
– Redness or swelling
– Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Dr. Santosh Kagathur is an oncologist with Lee Health. For more information, visit https://www.leehealth.org/.