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Fast facts about breast cancer.
Posted on
19 September 2013
| Last updated on 31 December 2017
Fast Facts according to the WHO:
- Breast cancer is the top cancer in women both in the developed and developing world.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, comprising 16% of all female cancers.
- Early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.
- There is no evidence on the effect of screening through breast self-examination (BSE). However, the practice of BSE has been seen to empower women, taking responsibility for their own health. Therefore, BSE is recommended for raising awareness among women at risk rather than as a screening method.
- The only proven method for lowering the incidence of breast cancer is regular mammography.
Symptoms:
Different people have different warning signs for breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. A person may find out she/he has breast cancer after a routine mammogram.
Some warning signs of breast cancer are:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
Keep in mind that some of these warning signs can happen with other conditions that are not cancer.
If you have any signs that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Screening
Kinds of Screening Tests
Breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are used to screen the breasts for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and when you should have them.
- Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are age 40 years or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every one to two years.
- Clinical breast exam. A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.
- Breast self-exam. A breast self-exam is when you check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm (armpit).
Which tests to choose?
Having a clinical breast exam or a breast self-exam has not been found to decrease the risk of dying from breast cancer. Keep in mind that, at this time, the best way to find breast cancer is with a mammogram. If you choose to have clinical breast exams and to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular mammograms.
Where Can I Go to Get Screened?
If you want to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor’s office. They can help you schedule an appointment. Most health insurance companies pay for the cost of breast cancer screening tests.
Prepared by Dr. Alexandra Economacos, Specialist Breast Radiologist
