Early Detection for Breast Cancer in Women
For every 8 women in the United States, 1 will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of this, early detection is very important for a higher survival rate. There are some different ways you can get ahead of breast cancer and take charge.
Mammograms
Mammograms are x-rays of the breast that can help find irregular growths and dense tissues. Having regular mammograms is the most effective way to find breast cancer at an early stage and make treatment the most successful. If breast cancer is found early, you are less likely to need aggressive treatments or surgery.
It is highly recommended that you schedule your mammogram at an institution accredited by the American College of Radiology. This means that the facility has employees who are specially trained and their equipment meets the standards required by the ACR. Next, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment for a mammogram at a time when your breasts are likely to be tender. If you haven’t gone through menopause, then this time will be during the week after your period. If you have had a mammogram previously, it is suggested that you bring your images from before.
Self-Examination
Self-examination is an important step to do in your everyday life. In many breast cancer cases that have been detected from a symptom, a lump was found during daily activities like showering or getting dressed. You must be familiar with how your breasts are normally in order to know when something has changed.
Breast cancer lumps are usually irregularly shaped, may feel firm, and vary in size. However, cysts and benign lumps, such as fibroadenomas, are not cancerous. Cysts and fibroadenomas are usually smooth. It is very difficult, almost impossible, to tell by touch that a lump is cancerous, so if you feel anything unusual, get it checked out by your doctor right away.
What should you do if you are a woman at a higher risk of breast cancer?
If you are at a higher risk for breast cancer, there are different steps you must take in order to ensure your health and safety. The American Cancer Society advises that if you have a higher risk, you should get mammograms every year starting around the age of 30. They also advise against MRI screening for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15% because there are risks such as false positives and overdiagnosis. Also, they suggest that if you are having MRIs, this must be in addition to a screening mammogram, not instead of.
Early detection for breast cancer in men
Breast cancer in men is very uncommon medically, which affects the implications of male breast cancer socially. Many people are unaware of the true risks of breast cancer in men. For ever 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States, 1 case is found in men. Also, male breast cancer tends to develop between the ages of 60-70. There are a lot of parallels between early detection of breast cancer in men and women, but there are some differences that can change finding it early.
Self Examination
Because breast cancer in men is so rare, routine mammograms are not usually recommended. However, there are ways in which men can also perform self examinations. The best time to perform a self examination is during or immediately after a warm shower, as it will relax and smooth the skin.
Breast Tissue
Since men have much less breast tissue than women, it is easier to feel small tumors. However, as there is little breast tissue, the cancer is more likely to spread at a faster rate than in women. This makes it much more difficult to detect cancer early. Also, the spread of tumors can determine the prognosis of breast cancer for men. This can help doctors know the outcome of a breast cancer.
Lack of Awareness
Many people tend to be unaware of the fact that men can in fact get breast cancer. This makes it more difficult for men to self-diagnose because many of them are unknowing of possible lumps. A social issue in this aspect is that men are worried about a lack of masculinity when finding a breast lump. Both of these factors can divert diagnoses and lessen the chances of successful treatment. Male breast cancer is a real and present issue and there is no shame in it!
What should you do if you are a man at a higher risk of breast cancer?
There is not much research on what men should do if they are at high risk, but there are some recommendations. Breast exams every year can be very helpful for early detection. Mammograms are usually only done for men if there is a lump found. However, you should discuss which options are best for you with your doctor.
Breast cancer is scary to think about, but you can get ahead of it! If you have any questions about male breast cancer, check out our article specifically talking MBC types, treatments and more.
**Disclaimer: The Team at CARE does its best to provide you with accurate information but have to emphasize that we are not experts. Please consult your doctor/specialist to see what is best for you!
Sources:
Comments