Breast Cancer Detection, Screening & Diagnosis: How Doctors Find It
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. It is estimated that in 2021, there will be over 281,550 new cases of breast cancer and over 43,600 deaths from the disease.
There are a number of ways to detect breast cancer, including:
* Mammograms: Mammograms are X-rays of the breast that can detect tumors or other abnormalities. Mammograms are recommended for all women over the age of 40 and for women with a family history of breast cancer.
* Breast exams: Breast exams are physical exams of the breast that can help to detect tumors or other abnormalities. Breast exams can be performed by a doctor or nurse, or by the woman herself.
* Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. Ultrasound can be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities in the breast.
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI can be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities in the breast.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer screening is the process of looking for breast cancer in women who have no symptoms of the disease. Breast cancer screening is important because it can help to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated.
There are a number of different breast cancer screening tests, including:
* Mammograms: Mammograms are the most common breast cancer screening test. They are recommended for all women over the age of 40 and for women with a family history of breast cancer.
* Breast exams: Breast exams are physical exams of the breast that can help to detect tumors or other abnormalities. Breast exams can be performed by a doctor or nurse, or by the woman herself.
* Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. Ultrasound can be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities in the breast.
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI can be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities in the breast.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin annual mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer may need to start mammograms at an earlier age.
Breast cancer screening can save lives. If you are a woman over the age of 40, or if you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening.