What is breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer screening refers to the practice of proactively searching for early signs of malignant growth in individuals who appear healthy. It aims to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, typically before any symptoms are noticeable. One common method for Breast Cancer Screening in Riyadh is mammography, which involves taking X-ray images of the breast tissue. This procedure can identify breast tumors that are too small to be felt or noticed through physical examination. Detecting breast cancer early through screening is crucial as it often leads to more successful treatment outcomes.
Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters
The early detection of breast cancer significantly improves the chances of effective treatment. This underscores the importance of adhering to recommended mammogram schedules, staying familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and promptly reporting any changes to your healthcare provider.
Rising Breast Cancer Risk
Breast cancer risk has increased over the years, with the lifetime chance of a woman developing breast cancer in Saudi Arabia rising from approximately 5% (1 in 20) in 1940 to 12% (more than 1 in 8) today. Therefore, regular breast cancer screening is vital for improving survival rates.
Screening and Survival
Women who undergo regular mammograms for breast cancer screening are much less likely to succumb to the disease. The quality and frequency of screening tests play a significant role in these improved survival rates. Additionally, following a prescribed treatment plan, if diagnosed, is crucial for positive outcomes.
Self-Tests and Clinical Examinations
While knowing the normal appearance and feel of your breasts is valuable, clinical organizations have varying recommendations for breast self-tests. For instance, the American Cancer Society suggests that there isn’t clear evidence of substantial benefits from routine breast self-exams. It’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Clinical breast exams, performed by your doctor, involve palpating the breasts to identify any lumps or changes. This examination is typically part of your regular medical checkup. Your doctor will examine each breast individually and check the underarm and collarbone areas for any unusual findings. Suspicious lumps may warrant further testing. Additionally, the doctor visually inspects the breasts for any abnormalities, such as rashes, and may gently squeeze the nipples to check for discharge.
Mammograms
Mammography is a breast X-ray that can detect breast lumps up to two years before they are palpable. Different tests are employed to determine whether a lump may be cancerous. Non-cancerous lumps typically display distinct characteristics compared to cancerous ones. Imaging tests like mammograms and ultrasounds can often distinguish between the two.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI involves creating detailed images of the breast by combining several pictures. It is commonly used to assess the extent of cancer spread after diagnosis. In some cases, it may be used alongside mammography as a screening tool, particularly when:
- There is a high risk of breast cancer.
- There is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- The breasts are dense (contain more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fat) and mammograms have not previously detected breast cancer.
- There are areas of concern for a history of breast cancer or precancerous changes.
- There is a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- Radiation therapy was received to the chest before age 30.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is often recommended for individuals with dense breast tissue and those at a high risk of breast cancer, as well as for pregnant women who should avoid X-ray exposure. This procedure provides additional information to complement other screening methods.
Screening Recommendations
For women at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends the following screening guidelines:
- Ages 45 to 54: Annual mammograms
- Ages 55 and older: The option to switch to mammograms every other year or continue with annual mammograms
- Ages 40 to 44: Consider starting annual mammograms
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms every year for women aged 50-74, while the decision to start mammograms between ages 40 and 49 should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Breast Cancer?
The definitive diagnosis of breast cancer requires a specialist to perform a needle aspiration or surgical breast biopsy to collect and test tissue samples for the presence of cancer cells. These diagnostic procedures provide crucial information about the type and stage of breast cancer.
If It’s Cancer
If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you and your healthcare provider will need to determine the cancer type and its stage. Lymph node evaluation can indicate if the disease has spread. Various tests will help identify the most suitable treatments, and others may predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence after treatment.