 EARLY
DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER
Women can take an early and active part in the detection of breast
cancer. They should talk with their doctor about the symptoms to
watch for and an appropriate schedule of checkups. The doctor’s
advice will be based on the woman’s age, medical history and
other factors. Woman should ask their doctor about, mammograms (x-rays
of the breasts), clinical breast exams (breast exams by a doctor
or nurse) and breast self-examination. A mammogram is a special
kind of x-ray. It is different from a chest x-ray or x-rays of other
parts of the body. Mammography performed in women with no symptoms
of breast cancer is called screening. Although mammography cannot
find every breast cancer, it is currently the best early detection
tool available. Studies show that having mammograms regularly (not
just once) saves lives in women aged 40 and older.
Mammography uses very low levels of radiation. It usually involves
two x-rays of each breast, one taken from the side and one from
the top. The breast must be compressed between two plates for the
images to be clear. In many cases, mammograms can show breast tumors
before they cause any symptoms or before they can be felt. A mammogram
can also show small deposits of calcium in the breast. Although
most calcium deposits are benign, a cluster of very tiny specks
of calcium may be an early sign of cancer.
For women of all ages, a breast exam by a healthcare professional
(called a clinical breast exam) is usually part of the regular medical
checkup. Remember, however, that for women over 40 a clinical breast
exam is not substitute for a regular mammography. In addition, many
women choose to examine their own breasts once a month. It’s
important to remember that every woman’s breasts are different.
Each woman’s breasts change because of aging, the menstrual
cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills or hormones.
It is normal for the breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven.
Also, it is common for a woman’s breasts to be swollen and
tender right before or during her menstrual period. A woman should
contact her doctor about any unusual changes in her breasts; whether
she notices them during breast self-exam or at another time. And
again, remember, that for women over 40, a breast self-exam is not
a substitute for a regular screening mammogram.
Since one in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime,
you need to know that the key to finding breast cancer early is
early detection; and the key to early detection is a screening mammogram
combined with a clinical breast exam by your healthcare provider.
A screening mammogram assists in finding cancer in women who have
no symptoms of breast disease. The best available tool for detection
is a screening mammogram. Yearly screening mammography significantly
reduces the death rate for breast cancer in women over the age of
forty. Sadly, the women least likely to have regular breast exams
include those of the highest risk - women ages 40 and older.
If you have a mother, wife, sister or friend over the age of 40,
remind her to schedule her yearly mammogram soon. She may qualify
for a free mammogram through the Colorado Women’s Cancer Control
Initiative. Call the American Cancer Society at 970-247-0278 for
more information. It might be the call that saves the life of someone
you love!
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Last Modified:
March 22, 2009 8:53 PM
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