At times, breast cancer is found after the occurrence of symptoms, but in many cases, breast cancer has no symptoms. This is why regular screening of breast cancer is extremely important. Screening and early detection of breast cancer play a significant role in individuals' health. Screening tests can be very helpful in the early detection of breast cancer at an early stage when it has not progressed and the probability of survival is highest.
Whether you are prepared to get your first-ever screening mammogram or looking to know more about follow-up tests following an abnormal outcome, learning about screening tests and the need for early detection of breast cancer can help individuals take charge of their health.
Screening of Breast Cancer:
The common tests for breast cancer detection are screening mammograms and clinical breast exams. Screening tests are used to find breast cancer in an individual without warning signs or symptoms.
What is a screening mammogram?
It is a test that uses X-rays to take breast images. Nowadays, it's the most promising screening test used to detect breast cancer in most cases. With the help of screening mammograms, breast cancer can be detected early, sometimes up to ten years before it can be found by you or your clinician.
This test takes around 15 minutes. On your screening day, wear a shirt you can take off easily. Do not use perfume, deodorant, powder, or lotion on the breast or under your arms. These products may show up on a mammogram and make it difficult to read.
You may experience some pressure, but getting a mammogram shouldn't hurt. Let your technologist know if you feel discomfort during the test.
When should one get a breast cancer screening test?
- Women at average risk: Such women should talk with a clinician about which screening tests are apt for them. They should have a mammogram each year starting at age 40. They should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years, starting by the age of 20 and every year by the age of 40.
- Women at higher risk: Such women should talk with their clinicians about which screening tests are apt for them and when to start screening. They must be screened earlier and more often than all those at average risk.
- Men at higher risk: For men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation, there are specific screening recommendations for breast and certain other cancers.
- Transgender people: For transgenders, breast cancer screening recommendations are personalized and differ by age, sex (at birth), personal risk of breast cancer, etc.
About Follow-up Tests:
In most cases, the mammogram results will be good news. It will show no indication of breast cancer. In case of abnormal outcomes, follow-up tests can be considered to check whether or not the finding is breast cancer. Occasionally, cancer of the breast can be ruled out through a follow-up diagnostic mammogram, breast MRI, or breast ultrasound.
- Diagnostic mammogram
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Biopsy
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence. Self-examination and regular screenings can save lives. Through self-examinations, women may notice the breast skin feels hard, tender, or warm, with peeling, redness, or flaking of the nipple skin. Some may experience skin dimpling or nipple retraction (nipple turning inward). Some women may feel nipple discharge. These symptoms may or may not occur with breast pain. Apart from this, some early signs of breast cancer to look for are changes in breast color, swelling in any breast part or swollen lymph nodes under the arm, itchy/irritated breasts, or changes in breast size/shape.
Reference:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html
https://marathonforbreastcancer.blogspot.com/2023/08/early-detection-and-screening-saving.html
