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Why breast cancer screening for women
Early Detection
Screening mammograms can detect breast cancer early, often before it can be felt, allowing for prompt intervention.
Improved Treatment Outcomes
Early-stage breast cancer is easier to treat and has a higher chance of successful outcomes.
Increased Survival Rates
Early detection leads to better survival rates, as the cancer is found at a stage where it is less likely to have spread.
Reduced Mortality
Screening mammograms have been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality in women aged 50 to 69.
What our doctors have to say on Breast Cancer Screening
Being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer is essential for early detection and effective treatment. While not all breast changes indicate cancer, it’s important to recognize signs that should prompt medical evaluation.
- A common symptom is a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, often painless, that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
- Changes in breast size or shape, or unexplained swelling, especially if limited to one side, may also be concerning.
- Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or a texture resembling orange peel can be signs of underlying issues.
- Nipple changes, including inversion, discharge (especially bloody or clear), or itching and scaling, should not be ignored.
- Persistent breast pain, although less common, can sometimes be a symptom as well.
- Another possible indicator is swelling or a lump near the collarbone or armpit, which could suggest spread to nearby lymph nodes.
It’s important to remember that symptoms vary from person to person, and some women with breast cancer may experience no symptoms at all. That’s why regular self-exams, clinical exams, and mammograms are vital. Early detection through awareness and routine screening offers the best chance for successful treatment and recovery
All women should have yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40
Women who undergo regular mammogram screenings have a significantly lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to those who do not. Research shows that routine mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 25%. This is because mammograms are effective in detecting breast cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear or the tumor becomes palpable. Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes, offering more options such as breast conservation surgery and reducing the need for aggressive treatments.
Mammograms are low-dose X-rays that can identify abnormalities in breast tissue, such as small lumps or microcalcifications, that may indicate cancer. Detecting cancer early means that it is more likely to be confined to the breast and less likely to have spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
Screening is especially important for women over the age of 40, though individual recommendations may vary depending on risk factors like family history or genetic predisposition. Despite some anxiety or discomfort associated with the procedure, the benefits of early diagnosis far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.
In summary, routine mammograms play a crucial role in saving lives by detecting breast cancer early, improving prognosis, and reducing the risk of death from the disease.
Detection of early breast cancer by mammography is associated with excellent survival and breast preservation
Detection of early breast cancer through mammography is strongly linked to improved survival rates and the ability to preserve the breast. Mammography can identify tumors when they are still small and have not yet spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. At this early stage, treatment is often more effective and less aggressive, offering women more options, including Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS), which allows removal of the cancer while keeping the breast intact.
When breast cancer is found early, the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival are significantly higher. In fact, the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer detected early can exceed 90%. Early detection also reduces the need for extensive surgeries like mastectomy and lowers the risk of complications associated with more advanced disease.
Regular screening, especially in women over 40 or those with risk factors, is key to catching cancer before symptoms appear. By detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages, mammography not only saves lives but also supports better cosmetic outcomes and quality of life.
MAMMOGRAM shows an irregular mass in the left breast, suspicious for cancer (arrow)
One of our cases
The majority of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer are suitable candidates for Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS).
In this case, a 62-year-old woman discovered a lump in her right breast. Diagnostic imaging, including an ultrasound and mammogram, along with a needle biopsy, confirmed the presence of breast cancer. She successfully underwent BCS, where the tumor was removed while preserving the natural shape of the breast. In addition, a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) was performed, which helped avoid the potential side effects often associated with full axillary lymph node dissection, such as arm swelling (lymphedema), numbness, and shoulder mobility issues.
Her treatment was curative, and the final result showed excellent cosmetic preservation, maintaining breast contour and symmetry.
It is essential that all women diagnosed with breast cancer are evaluated for the possibility of BCS, which can often eliminate the need for a full mastectomy.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
What is a Sentinel Lymph Node?
The sentinel lymph node is the initial lymph node or group of nodes where cancer is most likely to spread first from the original tumor. In some cases, multiple sentinel nodes may be identified.
What is a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical technique used to locate, remove, and test the sentinel node(s) for the presence of cancer cells. This helps determine whether the cancer has begun to spread beyond the primary site.
What are the Advantages of SLNB?
One of the main benefits of SLNB is that it can prevent the need for a more invasive lymph node removal procedure. Avoiding full lymph node dissection reduces the risk of several complications, including:
- Lymphedema, or swelling in the arm
- Seroma, which is fluid accumulation at the surgical site
- Numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the arm
- Weakness or reduced mobility in the shoulder
Breast Cancer Surgery
When treating breast cancer, surgery plays a crucial role, and two primary options are available: Total Mastectomy and Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS)
Total Mastectomy
A total mastectomy involves removing the entire breast, including the nipple and areola. It may be recommended for women with large tumors, multiple tumors in different areas of the breast, or those with a strong family history or genetic risk, such as a BRCA mutation. Some women also choose mastectomy for peace of mind. While effective, it results in the complete loss of the breast, and reconstruction may be needed.
Breast Conservation Surgery
Breast Conservation Surgery, also called lumpectomy, removes the tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue, preserving most of the breast. This option is often followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. BCS is suitable for many women with early-stage cancer and offers the same survival outcomes as mastectomy in these cases.
Choosing between the two depends on tumor size, location, personal preferences, and overall health. Both procedures are effective; however, BCS offers the advantage of preserving the breast, often with a quicker recovery and better cosmetic outcome, making it a preferred choice when medically appropriate.
Advances in Surgery for Breast Cancer: Less Aggressive Surgery with Equivalent Survival
Recent advances in breast cancer surgery have shifted toward less aggressive approaches without compromising survival rates. Traditionally, extensive surgeries like radical mastectomies were common, but today, many patients benefit from breast conservation techniques that remove only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
Modern surgical methods, including Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS) combined with targeted radiation therapy, offer survival outcomes comparable to more invasive procedures. This approach not only effectively treats cancer but also preserves the breast’s appearance, improving quality of life for many women.
Additionally, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has replaced complete axillary lymph node dissection in many cases. SLNB involves removing only the first few lymph nodes likely to be affected, reducing complications such as arm swelling, numbness, and shoulder weakness.
These less aggressive surgeries mean shorter recovery times, fewer side effects, and better cosmetic results, all while maintaining the high success rates in treating breast cancer. Advances in imaging, surgical techniques, and personalized treatment plans continue to improve outcomes, allowing many women to face breast cancer with effective, less invasive options.
In most patients with breast cancer the breast can be preserved with appropriate therapy
In the majority of breast cancer cases, the breast can be successfully preserved through appropriate treatment. Advances in early detection and surgical techniques allow many patients to undergo Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS), where only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue are removed. This approach, combined with targeted radiation therapy, effectively treats the cancer while maintaining the breast’s natural appearance. Preserving the breast not only improves cosmetic outcomes but also enhances quality of life without compromising survival rates. With careful evaluation and personalized treatment plans, most women diagnosed with breast cancer today have the option to keep their breast as part of their therapy.
