Early Detection is the Best Defense Against Breast Cancer - By Marlene Baruch, RN

This year, 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 43,500 will die. Although these numbers are alarming, medical research indicates that this mortality rate would be reduced by 30% if all women aged 50 or older had an annual mammogram. If detected early, breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 95%. Detecting breast cancer in its early stages and seeking immediate treatment can greatly increase your prospects for recovery, or prognosis. Breast self examination (BSE) is an effective way to detect an unusual mass in the breast and should be done monthly. Annual physician exams are also necessary. Mammography, an X-ray of the breast, is a critical screening tool for detecting abnormalities.

The American Cancer Society recommends a preventive program that begins with a baseline mammogram at age 40 and a mammogram every year thereafter. Women with risk factors may be instructed by their physicians to have a mammogram at an earlier age.

Lumps or masses in the breast are not unusual, and most of them are not cancer. Some breast masses can be felt during a breast exam and others are only detectable by mammogram. How a mass is detected does not determine whether it is cancerous. If a mass is detected on a screening mammogram, the next step may be to repeat the mammogram with additional views of the area. To obtain further information, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound, which will reveal more about the characteristics of the mass.

At this point, the testing may be finished if the collected information indicates that the mass is benign, or non-cancerous. If there is an uncertainty, the physician may recommend a stereotactic breast biopsy. In this procedure, the physician uses a mammogram and computer guidance to locate the mass. Using a fine needle, a tissue sample is removed, which goes to the laboratory for analysis. Based upon those results, the physician will recommend treatment.

Before putting off your annual mammogram, remember, it is far better to find out if there is a lump and take action with the support of a specialized, compassionate medical professional than to discover it months or years later when it has grown and possibly spread. To be safe, work breast cancer prevention into your healthy routines much as you would brushing your teeth, getting an annual Pap smear, watching your diet, or engaging in regular exercise.