Breast Cancer Awareness: How Early Detection Saves Lives
Time and again, healthcare providers remind patients of the importance of cancer screenings and how these invaluable procedures can ultimately save lives. The same goes for breast cancer. Simply detecting breast cancer early in its development is all it takes to minimize the risk of serious and sometimes fatal consequences later.
Breast Cancer by the Numbers
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in American women, trailing only lung cancer. An estimated 297,790 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2023 — and about 43,700 lives will be lost.
American women have a 13% chance — or 1 in 8 — chance of developing breast cancer in their lives. However, roughly 4 million breast cancer survivors are living in the United States today, including many women who are still being treated.
Find Cancer Early, Treat Cancer Early
Screening techniques may vary, but all breast cancer exams are designed to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous masses or lumps while they’re small and before they have spread to other parts of the body. Self-exams and clinical exams both involve feeling the breast tissue for any abnormalities and can sometimes detect breast cancer early in its development. However, this method is not foolproof — in many cases, the cancer may be too small to be felt.
Mammograms, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive picture than self-exams and clinical exams. Using low-dose X-rays, mammography can offer a detailed look at the breast tissue. Furthermore, 3D mammograms can provide an even better look at the breast with multiple angles that can be pieced together to provide a 3D image. Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, studies have shown 3D mammograms reduce callback rates — i.e., fewer women need to return for additional screening — and can increase detection anywhere from 27-50%.
The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 30 and older who are at high risk should schedule a mammogram and a breast MRI once a year. Women at high risk include those who:
- Have a lifetime cancer risk of 20-25% based on risk assessment tools and family history
- Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (requires genetic testing)
- Have a first-degree relative (i.e., parent, sibling, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
- Have had radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10-30
- Have been diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives who have been diagnosed with one of these syndromes
For women at average risk of developing breast cancer, they may choose to begin screening between the ages of 40-44. Beginning at age 45, women at average risk should schedule annual mammograms. Beginning at age 55, women may have the option to continue annual exams or switch to every other year; nevertheless, screenings should continue as long as she is in good health and is expected to live at least another 10 years.