Breast cancer is one of the most common reported cancers in the world, they affect males and females both but the incidence is higher in women. A lot of risk factors predispose an individual to cancer of the breast. Breast cancer screening is a primary step which is performed in women primarily to detect any traces of cancer at an early stage so that you have the best chance of recovery. For any cancer, it is always better to have a screening test done as it greatly improves the prognosis or outcome of the disease and increases survival chances also if detected at an early stage.
What is breast cancer ?
Breast cancer is abnormal growth of the tissues of the breast, could be the fatty tissue, could be the lobules or duct which help in the milk production or could be the skin or the areola, the nipple region. The incidence of breast cancer in women is on the rise in the past few decades and it is the second most common cancer in women across the globe. Early screening and diagnosis of breast cancer can help in deciding the right treatment to prevent the spread of cancer and to improve its overall outcome.
Who are at an increased risk of breast cancer ?
Men are also affected with breast cancer but the incidence is higher in women. The below mentioned predispose an individual to breast cancer.
- Family history of breast cancer
- Genetic mutations
- Age (common after the 4th decade)
- Women who are on contraceptives or hormonal pills of progesterone and estrogen
- Early menstruation in some girls
- Women who have pregnancy later in their life
- Women who have never given birth
- Women or girls who are obese or severely overweight
- Those affected with certain syndromes
- Women who have dense breast tissue
- Radiation exposure
When is a breast cancer screening advised ?
Breast cancer screening is advised in girls who have attained puberty, in women through middle and old age. The types of screening methods may differ in different individuals depending upon their age and other factors. In girls who are in their teenage or beginning of their menstrual cycle should be taught how to perform self-examination of the breast. In a self-examination of the breast one should check the entire surface area of the breast for any lumps, swellings or hardness and discharge. If any of such are identified a clinical examination should be performed by a clinical specialist who is trained to perform breast examination. In girls who are older than 20 years of age should get an annual clinical examination of the breast done to rule out any risk of breast cancer. In women of the age group of 40 years and beyond, a half yearly clinical examination should be performed along with other diagnostics tests such as a mammogram or an MRI or a breast ultrasound if advised. Other diagnostic tests are advised in women in which clinical examination hasn’t been able to give a clearer diagnosis.
What are the diagnostic tests used in screening of breast cancer ?
Screening of breast cancer can be performed by self-examination or by a clinical specialist who is trained in performing such tests. The screening tests usually start with the simpler tests such as examination of the breast tissue followed by a mammogram or an MRI scan or an ultrasound. Diagnostic tests used in the screening of breast cancer include the following.
- Self-examination of the breast tissue
- Examination of the breast tissue by a clinical specialist
- Mammography or X-ray of the breast tissue
- Ultrasonography of the breast
- MRI scan of the breast tissue
- Diagnostics tests to check for genetic mutations
The type of test used for breast cancer screening can be discussed with your physician or a gynecologist. You can also ask your treating doctor to explain each of the diagnostics tests in detail along with risks, benefits and outcomes and which test will be most suitable for you.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
