Breast Cancer Prevention (cont.)
What is the importance of early breast cancer detection?
The various types of cancers behave differently, with
distinct rates of growth and patterns of spreading (metastasis) to other areas
of the body. Some cancers are "favorable" and treatable, while others are so
aggressive and malignant that
almost nothing in modern medicine's arsenal can help.
Compared to other cancers, breast cancer is on the more
treatable end of the spectrum if diagnosed early. It is considered a "favorable"
cancer because it can be detected early by breast examination or by mammography.
Pancreatic cancer, for example, is on the lethal end of the spectrum. Pancreatic
cancer is
often difficult to detect until it is very far advanced.
Studies have clearly shown that the smaller the size of the breast cancer
when detected, the better the chance of a surgical cure and long term survival.
The likelihood of a cure is also higher if the cancer is removed before it has
spread to lymph nodes and other organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, and
brain.
Currently, mammography and breast examinations serve as the foundation for
screening for breast cancer. It is extremely important for a woman to have
regular breast examinations as well as mammograms to detect early breast cancer.
What are the advantages and limitations of mammography?
Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breast that has the ability to
detect a cancer in the breast when it is quite small, long before it may be felt
by breast examination. Approximately 85%-90% of all breast cancers are detectable
by mammography. Early detection by mammography has reduced the mortality rate
from breast cancer by 20%-30% in women over 50 years of age.
However, some 10%-15% of breast cancers are not visible on mammography but
can be felt on physical examination of the breast. Therefore, a normal
mammogram does not exclude the possibility of breast cancer. Breast
examination by palpation and visual inspection is also important. During a
routine physical checkup, a doctor can conduct an examination of the breast. The
woman should also perform breast self-examination monthly.
Next: How frequently should women undergo mammography and breast examinations? »
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