One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Fortunately, breast cancer mortality is on a continued decline, which has been attributed to early detection and improvements in treatment.
The earlier we detect cancer, the more treatable it is and the greater the probability of a better outcome. Catching it in the early stages makes breast conservation therapy more likely, meaning the patient can be treated with a lumpectomy versus a mastectomy.
The most important things a woman can do to improve her odds against breast cancer are to perform regular self-exams, go for regular check-ups with her internist or gynecologist and, past the age of 40, have yearly mammograms. From the age of 20, women are advised to have a clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare practitioner at least every three years. After reaching 40, this should be done annually.
The combination of performing self-exams and having annual mammograms is important because self-exams may detect something before it’s time for an annual visit. Sometimes women ignore an abnormality found during a self-exam and put off seeing their doctor. It can’t be over-stressed that anything even slightly suspicious should be brought to a doctor’s attention.
Another potentially dangerous practice is to put off having an annual mammogram. Screening mammography has been proven to save lives. In fact, most doctors agree that mammograms save many thousands of lives every year. Women who have higher risk factors should talk to their doctors about having mammograms before turning 40.
The Digital Difference
Many places now offer the additional technology of digital mammography, including the Breast Center at Franciscan St. James Hospital. Because digital mammograms are electronically stored, they can be analyzed by both computers and radiologists.
Unlike film mammograms, digital images can be manipulated to improve clarity and visibility. And because they are stored electronically, they are easy to access and retrieve as well as easier to share with other health care professionals.
A 2005 study found that digital mammography detected up to 28 percent more cancers than film mammography in women younger than 50 years of age, premenopausal women, perimenopausal women and women with dense breasts.
Understanding Risk Factors
Some factors that predispose women to breast cancer cannot be changed. For one, the risk increases as women get older. Most advanced cases of the disease are found in women past the age of 50. Having a close relative who has had breast, uterine, ovarian or colon cancer is another factor. Some women are genetically predisposed to breast cancer.
Women whose menstrual cycle started before the age of 12 or lasted past the age of 55 are also at increased risk. Never having children or who having a first child after the age of 30 can also increase the risk for breast cancer. Receiving hormone replacement therapy with estrogen for several years or longer is another factor that places women at a higher risk.
Be Proactive
In addition to performing self-exams, having clinical exams and going for mammograms, there are other steps that women can take to decrease the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are two positive steps to take. Breastfeed if possible and limit alcohol intake. Drinking more than one or two glasses of alcohol a day may increase the risk for breast cancer.
Having a mammogram takes very little time and provides potentially life-saving benefits. At the Breast Center at Franciscan St. James, most women are in and out very quickly. That’s a small sacrifice for the safety and peace of mind a mammogram can offer.
Paul Mullarkey, MD, is the Director of Breast Imaging at the Franciscan St. James Health Comprehensive Cancer Institute. Franciscan St. James is a member of the Southland Health Alliance.
