Early detection of breast cancer is highly important because it increases the treatment options available to the patient and his or her survival risk. It is also critical for the effective management of the disease. One in eight women in the U.S. develops breast cancer. Screening can help diagnose cancer at an early and most ‘curable’ stage. There are different methods employed by doctors to achieve precise breast cancer screening. Breast Screening Recommendations for Women Breast cancer that’s found at an early age - when it’s small and has not yet spread, has a greater chance of being successfully treated. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer, as well as for those at high risks. Recommendations for Average Risk Women considered at average risk for breast cancer are: ● Those who don’t have a personal history of breast cancer. ● Those who don’t have a strong family history of breast cancer. ● Those with no genetic mutation linked to breast cancer. ● Those who haven’t had chest radiation by the age of 30. Recommendations for High Risk Women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer are: ● Those who have 20-25% breast cancer risk or greater, based on the assessment of family history. ● Those who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. ● Those who have a first-degree relative with the said gene mutation. ● Those who had radiation therapy in the chest before reaching the age of 30. ● Those who have first-degree relatives with Cowden syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. Doctors make use of different tools and models when assessing a patient’s risk of breast cancer. Prior to the screening, they will calculate the patient’s personal risk, family history, and other pertinent factors. Biopsy A breast biopsy is a traditional method used to diagnose the presence of cancer or malignant tumors. This procedure involves extracting a fluid or tissue sample from a suspicious area, which is then examined under a microscope. The most commonly used types of biopsy for screening breast cancer are a core-needle biopsy and surgical biopsy. However, biopsies are usually done when other screening methods, such as a mammogram, have detected abnormalities or changes in the breast and/or if breast cancer is suspected. Ultrasound Ultrasound is not used on its own as a screening method for breast cancer. Rather, it is used to complement other screening tests. This imaging test involves sending high-frequency sound waves to the breast to capture images of breast tissues. It’s an easy, no-pain, no-needle approach and does not make use of radiation. The technician will simply use a sound-emitting probe on the breast to perform the test. An ultrasound gel is applied to the skin for an effective sound wave transmission. Women below the age of 30 are recommended to undergo an ultrasound before a mammogram testing when evaluating a breast lump. This is because mammogram readings can be difficult to interpret in younger women they tend to have denser breasts. Whereas breasts of older women tend to be fattier and easy to evaluate. Mammography Mammograms are considered the best tests for early screening and detection of breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Some women find this testing uncomfortable, others painful. But the procedure only takes a few moments. Women who are about to have their period have more sensitive skin and are more likely to feel more pain when undergoing a mammogram test. Recent recommendations from the ACS suggest that women at average risk of breast cancer should begin mammogram exams at the age of 45 while the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends such tests at the age of 50. Screening should be done annually. Final Thoughts While the number of breast cancer cases in the world has declined, it remains to be a major health concern. It is the most common type of cancer affecting women and statistics show that about 41,760 women will die from it. Biopsy, ultrasound, and mammogram testing are currently the most reliable screening methods for breast cancer. Cancer screening at an early stage greatly improves a patient’s survival rate and the effectiveness of the treatment used.
