(Breast Cancer Prevention and Screening Part 2 first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in October 2014. To read it online, visit www.publicopiniononline.com.)
Self exams for breast cancer are important but in certain circumstances, other technologies can also help detect cancer. Dr. Jennifer Fraley, ob/gyn at Keystone Women’s Care, discusses breast cancer screening options for women and when to see a doctor in this second in a two part series.
Screen for Breast Cancer
The decision regarding screening options as a woman ages is very individualized. Many times your doctor will discuss with you your overall health and the benefit of yearly screening versus the risk. The decision will be made with your individual health, your family history, activity level, and goals in mind and will be very personalized..
When to Screen
If there is no family history, screening should begin at age 40 when women benefit greatly from yearly mammograms. If there is a first degree relative (even a male) who had breast cancer early, a woman should begin mammography 10 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed. These women should also speak with their doctor about including MRI in their screening regimen.
Family History?
Women with a first degree family history should also speak with their doctor about testing for the breast and ovarian cancer gene. These genes are called BRCA1 and BRCA2 and significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. In addition, if you were ever treated with radiation therapy after age 10 you should speak with your doctor about including MRI in your yearly screening.
Other Tests
Mammograms are important but do have some limitations. Women with very dense breast tissue will need to consider following the mammogram with a breast ultrasound as a mammogram may miss some abnormalities in these women. Your doctor will tell you if you are in this group, and discuss the benefits of having an ultrasound with you.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor for any breast pain, lump that you feel, redness in the breast or itching, changes to the skin texture, dimple in the skin, appearance of bruising, nipple going inward, nipple discharge, or lump in your armpit. Many of these things may be caused by benign illness but should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
