By Yolanda Yoder, M.D.

 

Breast cancer – these two words strike fear in the hearts of women everywhere, especially since more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year. If you’re concerned about breast cancer, you’re not alone – but the good news is that there is hope!

Medical treatments and early detection methods advance and continue to increase the chances of survival when people are diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, when breast cancer is caught in its early stages, the survival rate at five years is an amazing 99%. 

What’s the key?

If you want to minimize your chances and also help increase breast cancer survival rate, you have to take action.

Wherever you are in your journey (concerned about cancer, having a family member or friend with breast cancer, or having been diagnosed), the first line of defense is to know more.  This is especially true  if you have a family history that includes breast cancer. 

Breast lumps are surprisingly common

Did you know that upwards of half of all women will experience a breast lump in their lifetime? A breast lump is defined as a mass or growth that develops within breast tissue. Given the physical complexity of human breasts, there are many conditions that may cause breast lumps. The good news is that some 60-80% of all breast lumps prove to be benign or non-cancerous.

But note the word “prove” in that last sentence. Anytime a woman notices or discovers an unusual lump or swelling, it’s time to get checked out by a medical provider. You can breathe a sigh of relief if your medical provider informs you that the lump is benign. If the news comes of less-than-welcome cancer, you have already increased your chances of survival.

Periodic checkups are important

While being self-aware of any changes in your breasts is important, you should plan on having a clinical breast exam (CBE) by a medical provider at least every three years from ages 25 to 39.

After age 40, it is recommended to have a breast exam each year as part of an annual checkup. Between ages 45-50 you should plan on screening with a mammogram annually, which should optimally continue until age 55.  (If you’re worried about paying for it, talk with your provider – many clinics like SICHC can help you.)

But here’s an important note: seeking and undergoing a mammogram or a breast MRI is a personal decision that should be made together with your healthcare provider. Personal circumstances and preferences can then be considered. 

Technology has advanced in examinations, including 2D and 3D mammograms and breast ultrasounds at imaging centers. Your provider can review these options with you and also discuss with you important issues such as breast density. Research has shown that women with high breast density (more muscle and less fatty tissue) have a higher risk of breast cancer. Your provider may recommend additional imaging with an MRI though it’s noted that insurance companies do not necessarily cover that extra imaging.

Knowledge is power

Oftentimes when bad news is a possible outcome, many people will wait when they see something unusual, hoping it will go away. Troubling anxiety keeps a lot of people away from getting important information and care.

As mentioned, most of the time a scary lump can turn out to be harmless (or at least not cancer). But letting fear keep you out of the doctor’s office can be deadly – especially when it comes to breast cancer.

Much quality information is available to you, especially online. For starters, visit https://cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer,  https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ or https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/index.html 

Much information on lowering your risks and helping to prevent breast cancer is also online (see https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/prevention/index.html). Your provider can help you and provide peace of mind.

The key point? Don’t wait – begin to take action today!

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Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Yolanda Yoder serves as SICHC’s Chief Medical Officer.