Detecting and preventing breast cancer
IMC’s Dr Robin M Janke discusses the importance of breast screening for detection and prevention of breast cancer in its early stages.
Breast cancer affects one woman in eight over the course of a lifetime. Early detection is essential – the five-year survival rate for advanced breast cancer is five percent compared to 95 percent if the disease is detected earlyHistorically, women have been told to perform monthly breast self-examinations (BSE) to detect breast cancer in its formative stages. However, BSE is not routinely recommended in many countries today because studies have failed to show the benefits of regular examinations. Also women who do BSE frequently tend to have breast biopsies for benign lumps.
If you choose to perform BSE and notice a change in your breasts, don’t ignore it. Consult your physician immediately. Although the changes may not indicate cancer, they should still be evaluated. Remember that breast pain is common – affecting up to 65 percent of women – and it’s not usually a symptom of breast cancer. See a doctor at once if you detect:
• A lump or swelling
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Nipple pain
• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
• Your nipple has turned inwards
• Discharge from the nipple other than breast milk
The best way to detect breast cancer early is through mammography– an x-ray of the breast. Mammography can detect breast cancer at a very early stage, even before it has caused any symptoms or noticeable changes.
Because breast cancer occurs predominantly in women over the age of 50 it’s typically at this age that women at average risk should begin routine mammography screening. Screening younger women is more controversial because breast cancer is not as common in younger women and mammography can lead to further evaluation of findings that commonly end up being benign. Starting at age 40, every woman and her doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of mammography to decide whether or not to proceed with screening.
Prevent breast cancer
• Have your first child before the age of 30.
• Breast feed your baby for at least six months.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Exercise regularly.
• Minimise the use of postmenopausal hormones.
Dr Robin M Janke MD MPH (USA)Dr Janke trained in family medicine in St Paul, Minnesota and in preventive medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She also earned a Master’s degree in Public Health and served as a medical officer in the United States Air Force
