Importance of Early Screening

The importance of early screening for breast cancer cannot be stressed enough. Early screening can detect cancer in its early stages, leading to a positive outcome for women.

There are several methods, some of which are preferred, in determining early detection. Routine breast self-examinations are fine, but mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs are most widely recommended.

It is suggested that if you do engage in self-examinations, that you do so on the same date every month. Moreover, it is recommended that you do so prior to your monthly menstruation, roughly seven days.

When you go for your annual gynecological exam, the doctor will check your breasts as well as under the arms to determine if there is any abnormality. This is also important because mammograms do not detect 10 to 15 per cent of breast cancers.

Perhaps the most widely used process of screening for breast cancer is the mammogram. They do detect up to 90% of cancers found in the breast and although it may be an uncomfortable procedure, it is nonetheless vital.

Ultrasounds are performed when an abnormality is detected on the mammogram x-ray. This allows doctors to ascertain if there is a lump that does not show up on a mammogram or during a physical exam.

An MRI targets the area of concern and gives the doctor a clearer picture of the size of the lump, as well as the wall of the chest and muscles in the immediate area. An MRI is particularly useful if a doctor notices swelling under the arm (the lymph node) and if a needle biopsy indicates there are cancer cells but the breast exam and/or mammogram has not detected any.

More importantly, early screening is crucial for women who have a family history of cancer and are genetically predisposed to this disease.

When cancer is detected early, there is a greater chance of curing the disease than if it had been detected during its later stages. In addition, early screening can detect the smallest lump and because it is confined to a specific area, it can be treated effectively.