Understanding Breast Cancer
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In
The Know: Breast Cancer
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Quick Facts
- Early Warning Signs: The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, has changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
- Important Facts: Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all breast lumps are detectable by touch.
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Each year, scientists learn more about finding, preventing and treating breast cancer. Although breast cancer is a very serious disease, most women diagnosed with breast cancer go on to enjoy a long and healthy life. As with any cancer, early detection is the key. Cancers found early are more easily treatable.
The goal of early screening for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms. Breast cancers that are detected because they can be felt by hand tend to be larger and are more likely to spread beyond the breast. However, breast cancers found during early screening examinations are likely to be smaller and confined to the breast.
The size of a breast cancer and how far it has spread are very important in determining a patient’s outlook. This is why early detection for breast cancer is so important. Doctors agree that it’s the key to saving lives.
The Importance of Mammograms
Breast cancer experts recommend that women age 40 and over should have a mammogram every year as long as they are in good health. Evidence supporting the benefits of mammograms is very strong. However, mammograms can miss some cancers so doctors recommend that women over forty should also have a clinical breast examination (CBE) every year. Doctors also recommend that women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years. Women should always report any changes in the health of their breasts to their health professional right away.
Women who choose to do a breast self-exam should have their exam technique reviewed when they are having a physical exam by a health professional. This way they will be able to spot possible signs or symptoms of breast cancer such as development of a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction, redness or scaliness of the nipple or skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. If you show any of these signs or symptoms, be sure to see your health care professional for an evaluation.
Recommendations for Early Detection
A combination of mammograms and clinical breast examinations is the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages. For women who have a high risk of breast cancer (such as a family history of breast cancer or a known gene abnormality), some breast cancer specialists will recommend additional methods to examine the breasts. However, mammography is still the preferred early detection method for the majority of women.
If your mammogram or other early detection method indicates something suspicious, your doctor may perform a biopsy to investigate further. A breast biopsy involves removing a sample of breast tissue to determine whether it is cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). A biopsy is the only definitive way to determine if breast cancer is present. There are different methods for performing breast biopsies. We encourage you to talk to your doctor about which is the best method for you.
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