According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer that affects women, though men can also get breast cancer. Breast cancer incidences usually increase with age, and early detection is key in treating and beating the disease.
Mammograms
Women age 40 and older are encouraged to get a mammograms every year. Women at increased risk, such as those with a strong family history of the disease, should be tested earlier, starting at 30 years old, and should also receive an MRI.
Education
It is important that all men and women are well educated about breast cancer. Knowing the risks, the symptoms, the screening guidelines and the treatments are benefical to all.
Continuous Screening
Women in good health should continue to get annual mammograms. Older women of ill health already battling certain illnesses should discuss the benefits and drawback of yearly screening with their doctors. Age alone is not a reason to skip or stop screening for breast cancer.
Awareness
Overall breast health is imperative, so doctor-preformed exams and breast self-examinations are important. However, by the time a lump is felt, it may have been there for a while. A clinical breast exam should be a part of a regular health exam.
Compliments to Mammograms
Clinical breast exams, breast self-exams, MRIs and breast ultrasounds may enhance breast cancer screenings, but a mammogram is still the best and preferred method. New treatments and studies are ongoing, but for now the mammogram remains key in screening.
Signs and Symptoms
Early stage breast cancer often has no signs and symptoms, so yearly mammograms are the best defense. A lump may be detected and slight pain may be felt in slightly advanced stages. Thickening, swelling, redness, nipple discharge, inversion or tenderness should be checked up immediately.
Tags: breast cancer, exams breast
