When it comes to cancer, early detection can mean all the difference between life and death. Breast cancer, being the most common among women, worldwide, is no exception.
Thanks to advances in medical technology, screening tools are now more sophisticated than ever.
Mammograms have improved by leaps and bounds. Information and reminders on self-examinations are available widely to the population.
As cancer rates rise, early detection remains the number one weapon in our battle against this life-threatening foe.
As regular screenings become an essential part of women’s reproductive health, we will no doubt see an increase in survival.
Here’s why early detection is important for breast cancer.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection refers to identifying a disease before symptoms appear or in its earliest stages.
This does not only refer to cancers but other diseases as well. Each type has its own method of screening.
Compared to other forms of cancer which require blood work and are often only diagnosed by accident and usually when it’s too late, breast cancer can be caught much earlier.
In the earlier stages of the disease, the tumour is smaller.
Moreover, it has not spread to other parts of the body—making it easier to treat.
Early-stage breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of around 99%.
However, late-stage breast cancer, which has metastasised to other organs, drops to about 29%.
This difference is staggering and highlights the critical role early detection plays in saving lives.
This is where we touch on the various methods of early breast cancer detection, which ones are the most suitable for you.
Mammograms: A Lifesaving Tool
Mammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer screening.
It is the most reliable method of detecting breast cancer early, usually before any symptoms develop.
A mammogram is basically an X-ray of the breast. It is so powerful that it can pick up any tumours that may be too small to be felt by hand during self-examinations.
Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. These images help doctors spot abnormalities or ‘masses’, that can indicate cancer.
While not all masses found are necessarily cancerous, mammograms are still invaluable.
They provide essential information that can guide further testing. This can include things like biopsies, which can confirm or deny a diagnosis.
Guidelines for Mammograms
Different health organisations provide different recommendations for when and how often you should get mammograms.
The American Cancer Society, for instance, suggests that women should go for their first breast screening as soon as they reach the age of 40.
However, The World Health recommends mammograms for those between the ages of 50 to 60, taken every two years.
That said, if you have a known and close family history of breast cancer, you may need to start getting mammograms early and more frequently.
It’s important to know that mammograms are not perfect. They can still often result in false positives or negatives.
However, the overall benefit of mammograms far outweighs their risks.
As of now, they are still one of the main ways doctors are able to catch breast cancer early. At a stage when it is most treatable.
The Role of Self-Examinations
Aside from mammograms, breast self-examinations (BSE) can also be a part of your early detection initiative.
Non-invasive, inexpensive and easily learned, breast self-examinations are a quick way to give yourself an at-home screening.
However, compared to mammograms, BSEs are not as accurate or reliable.
They may provide some method of early detection but you will still need a proper medical screening to confirm.
Moreover, BSEs allow women to be more familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel.
This can ultimately help them notice any changes that may be warning signs of something serious.
How to Perform a Self-Examination
A breast self-exam can be done monthly at home.
It is better if you do it a few days after the menstrual period ends. This is when the breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender.
The process involves both looking at and feeling the breasts for any unusual changes such as lumps, thickening, or skin dimpling.
Here’s a simple guide to self-examination:
- In front of a mirror: Stand or sit with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides. Look for changes in size, shape or colour, and for visible signs of swelling or dimpling.
- Lying down: Use the opposite hand to feel each breast in a circular motion, pressing with varying degrees of pressure. Cover the entire breast area, from collarbone to the top of the abdomen, and from armpit to cleavage.
- Standing up: Many women find it easiest to examine their breasts when their skin is wet and slippery, so this part can be done in the shower. Again, use circular motions to check for any lumps or thickening.
Any new lumps, changes in breast shape, discharge from the nipple, or persistent pain should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation.
Early Detection and Breast Cancer Awareness
Most people don’t think that they’ll ever get cancer, especially if there’s no family history of the disease.
But you never know when those odds work against you.
In which case there is no disadvantage from being too informed about breast cancer. Knowing all the screening options gives you a way of protecting your health.
Regular mammograms and self-examinations offer a multifaceted approach to early detection. Mammograms provide the precision of medical imaging while self-exams allow you to understand your own body.
It’s important to remember that early diagnosis doesn’t just save lives.
It also improves the quality of life by offering less aggressive treatment options.
Early detection could mean all the difference between a simple surgery and months and months of harsh treatments that will surely take a toll on your body.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Regular screenings, including mammograms and breast self-examinations, are powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer.
By detecting the disease early, women increase their chances of successful treatment, survival, and a healthier future.
Early detection saves lives—schedule your mammogram and perform regular self-examinations.
Don’t forget to inform and remind all the women in your lives, too. Let’s help fight breast cancer together!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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