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The Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) detects 95 to 100% of Breast Cancers
Breast Cancer Screening
The words 'breast cancer' alone are enough to invoke terror and anxiety in the hearts of women the world over. More than 200,000 women in the United States alone are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
Some women are more likely to develop breast cancer than others during their lifetime. As a woman, it is important that you consider whether or not you are in a high risk category. It is important to acknowledge that the presence of risk does not automatically mean a woman will develop breast cancer. Rather, it merely should serve to raise your awareness regarding your potential risk, and help you discuss your personal health with your physician in order to work out an appropriate screening program.
Critical Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
There is no one single risk factor that is common to all women who may develop breast cancer. However, several factors have been identified that increase the likelihood that a woman will contract breast cancer over time. Among the more common risk factors include:
- Advanced Age - the most common risk factor among women is advancing age. More than 85 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women that are 50 years of age or more. Less than 5 percent will occur in women in their 30s or younger.
- Family History - women have a mother, daughter or sister with breast cancer are much more likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not. This risk is believed to be related to mutations of two genes in the body. Fortunately women can be screened for mutations of this gene in the body.
- Previous Breast Cancer - women who have been diagnosed with cancer in one breast have an increased risk for developing cancer at later dates.
- Mammogram abnormalities - women whose mammograms reveal more dense material may be at an increased risk for breast cancer, particularly post menopausal women.
- Biopsy abnormalities - women who have a biopsy that reveals hyperplasia of the breast tissue are also at an increased risk for breast cancer.
There are numerous other risk factors that are less impacting but worthy of mention. Some of these include the age at the time of reproductive events.
Generally, the longer a woman is exposed to estrogen for example, the higher her risk for breast cancer. Estrogen exposure is generally more for women who begin menstruating prior to age 11.
Women who have not given birth are also more likely to develop breast cancer after menopause. In addition, women who have their first pregnancy after the age of 30 are more likely than women who have their first pregnancy at a younger age to develop breast cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy may also increase a woman's risk for breast cancer.
In addition to these factors, the following factors may contribute to a woman's risk of breast cancer:
- Height and weight - tall women are more likely than short women to develop breast cancer. Likewise overweight women are more likely to have excess estrogen, increasing their risk.
- Alcohol consumption - the more alcohol a woman consumes the greater their risk for breast cancer. Moderate alcoholic intake however has shown to reduce breast cancer risk.
- Presence of other cancer - women who have had cancer of other reproductive organs including the ovary, endometrial or colon are more likely to develop breast cancer than those who have not.
What Reduces a Woman's Risk of Breast Cancer?
There are also factors that reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer. These include:
- Removal of the ovaries.
- Country of birth, women born in Asia or Africa have a lower risk of breast cancer than women of Northern European or North American descent.
- Regular exercise.
- Breastfeeding.
- Lean body weight post menopause.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast lumps are a very common complaint for a health care provider. The discovery of a breast mass at the time of a self exam or by the clinician is an anxiety laden experience. Although the vast majority of breast lumps are cause by benign breast disease, all complaints should be pursued to resolution by your clinician.
There are several non-invasive methods of screening for a breast lump:
- Mammography.
- Breast MRI.
- Breast ultrasound.
- Clinician breast examination.
- Self-breast examination.
Invasive approaches to evaluating a breast lump include:
- Tissue sampling or biopsy.
- Surgical excision of the breast lump.
Mammography
A mammogram is a breast x-ray that is used to screen for breast cancer. The mammogram alone cannot diagnose breast cancer. It will only give you a suspicion of a problem. Mammogram is the most widely used screening test for cancer of the breast. Breast lumps found on mammography are benign 90% of the time. If a suspicious lesion is found further testing is required.
Mammography radiation exposure is extremely low and is unlikely to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Current mammography equipment exposes the breast to low levels of radiation.
The mammography technique is uncomfortable for a short period of time. The breast is compressed to flatten the tissue and improve visualization of abnormalities. To lessen the mammogram experiences of discomfort avoid having the test around your menstrual period where your breasts are normally the most sensitive.
Breast Exam by Your Healthcare Provider
The breast exam by healthcare provider shall be performed at your yearly physical examination. The clinician will first visualize the breast. Skin changes such as dimpling, retraction and orange peel appearance is worrisome. Nipple inversion also will be look for. The health care clinician's exam of the breasts will detect 10% of breast cancers that a mammography will miss.
Self Breast Exam
Self examination of your breast should be performed about one week after your menstrual flow ends. This is the time when your breasts are the least glandular or cystic. The interval of the examination should be monthly. It is recommended by the American college of obstetrics and gynecology to start routine monthly self breast examinations at the age of 40. If a lump or mass is found a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider is indicated.
Breast Ultrasound Examination
If at the time of mammography, a breast mass is identified, a breast ultrasound examination will be ordered. Ultrasound is a non-painful approach to identify a benign cyst from a benign solid tumor.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The contrast MRI detects 95 to 100% of breast cancers. The use of contrast MRI to detect breast cancer is currently being investigated and could become the standard of care. It is believed that the MRI may prove to be, a better diagnostic test than mammography.
Breast Biopsy
When a breast lump or masses is detected a breast biopsy, fine needle aspiration or an excisional biopsy is recommended. The tissue sampled is than reviewed. The pathologist will determine if the biopsy is cancerous or benign. Breast biopsy is the definitive confirmation between a malignant or benign lesion.
Conslusion
You should work with your physician to establish a regular screening protocol for breast cancer and to assess your personal risk.
Though there are many risk factors that have been identified and described above, it is important to remember that every woman is unique and different. With early screening and detection, the likelihood for early detection and subsequent survival is very high.
Related web sites about breast cancer information:
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