Breast cancer can happen to almost anyone. While there’s no current evidence that suggests that it’s preventable, there are two tests that can help women detect breast cancer earlier – mammograms and breast self-exams. Keep reading to learn why these tests are important to your overall health and wellbeing.
Why Early Detection Is Critical
As with other cancers, the outlook for breast cancer improves the earlier you catch it. For example, the five-year survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage 1 breast cancer is nearly 100%, according to the National Cancer Society. Stage IV, or metastatic, breast cancers have a five-year survival rate of approximately 22%.
During the early stages of breast cancer, patients have a full range of treatment options to choose from. However, once the cancer has spread, more aggressive treatments, such as a mastectomy – the surgical removal of the breast – or chemotherapy, may be necessary.
Mammograms and Breast Self-Exams Detect Cancer Early
Breast self-exams performed on a monthly basis can help women identify any lumps or abnormalities that differ from how their breasts normally look or feel. Any changes can then be reported to their healthcare provider, who will perform additional tests as necessary to determine the cause of the irregularities.
Regular mammograms, a type of breast exam that uses noninvasive x-rays, are also vital in the fight against breast cancer. That’s because mammograms are capable of detecting breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful. Women can choose to start having annual mammograms around age 40, but may decide with their doctor to begin sooner if they have a higher-than-average breast cancer risk.
Breast Cancer Screenings in Carthage, NY
Scheduling appointments now for new office opening mid-July. Services include 3D Mammography with C-View (results while you wait), Screening Ultrasound for dense breasts and Bone Densitometry. Please call (585) 442-3922 or schedule online at 32bc.com