Mammograms An Expert Overview on Importance
Mammograms An Expert Overview on Importance
Regular Mammograms: A Crucial Step in Breast Cancer Detection
In the fight against breast cancer, regular mammograms have been a longstanding tool for early detection, making them crucial for women’s health. According to Dr. Mridula George, the associate program director of breast medical oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the risk of developing breast cancer increases as women age, as with many other diseases. As the second-most common cancer for women after skin cancer, breast cancer should not be taken lightly.
Factors such as a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in close relatives like mothers or sisters, can significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing the disease. The risk also rises if multiple family members have had breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed and proactive.
Breast self-exams may not always reveal early signs of breast cancer, and the disease doesn’t typically cause pain in its initial stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include the presence of a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area. Other noticeable changes can be a difference in breast size or shape, tenderness, nipple discharge, or even retraction of the nipple. Changes in the appearance or texture of the breast skin, areola, or nipple, such as warmth, redness, swelling, or scaliness, should also be noted.
To detect abnormal areas or tissues in the breast before symptoms become noticeable, mammography plays a vital role. The procedure utilizes low-dose X-rays to generate images of the breast. During a mammogram, each breast is placed between two plates and gently compressed to obtain a clear image. These images are then stored in a computer system and reviewed by a radiologist in collaboration with the woman’s doctor.
When breast cancer is detected early and has not spread outside the breast, the five-year relative survival rate is an impressive 99%. Early detection through regular screenings allows for smaller tumors and a decreased likelihood of metastasis.
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To determine when to start breast cancer screenings, it’s crucial for women to have open discussions with their doctors. By staying informed, getting regular mammograms, and understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, women can take proactive steps towards their own breast health.
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