The Importance of Screening for Breast Cancer

Did you know, annually over 287,500 women and roughly 2,710 men and non-binary individuals in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer? According to the World Health Organization, there were 2.3 million cases diagnosed worldwide in 2020, making it the most common cancer that year. Since this cancer is so common and can be deadly, especially when not caught in the early stages, it is vital to get screened for breast cancer regularly. It is recommended that those who are at risk begin screenings at age 40. Speak with your medical provider for more information. 

BREAST CANCER SCREENING BENEFITS

Routine screening helps to detect early signs of cancer. Early detection can lower a person’s risk of dying from cancer.

TYPES OF SCREENING

The most common form of breast cancer screening is mammography. A mammogram is a special way to x-ray the breast. This helps the doctors identify any abnormal signs or patterns in breast tissue that could be symptomatic of breast cancer. 

Other ways to screen are through MRI, manual breast exam, thermography and tissue sampling. 

POTENTIAL SCREENING RISKS/HARM

While a mammogram is the most effective screening source, they aren’t without error. In a small number of cases, it’s possible to miss a diagnosis or receive a false positive. There are also those that believe mammograms cause overdiagnosis where a patient is treated with standard forms of medication, radiation or even surgery when the cancer is low risk enough that it wouldn’t impact them long-term. 

ARE YOU AT RISK?

If you believe you may be at risk due to family history, or any other reason, you should speak directly with your medical provider about your options.