Breast Cancer Detection, Screening & Diagnosis: How Doctors Find It
Breast Cancer Detection
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast. It is the most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer.
There are a number of different ways to detect breast cancer, including:
* Mammogram: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is the most common way to screen for breast cancer.
* Breast ultrasound: A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast. It is often used to further evaluate a mammogram finding or to diagnose breast cancer in women who have dense breasts.
* Breast MRI: A breast MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create images of the breast. It is often used to further evaluate a mammogram finding or to diagnose breast cancer in women who are at high risk for the disease.
* Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam is a physical exam of the breasts performed by a health care provider. It is an important part of routine breast cancer screening.
* Breast self-exam: A breast self-exam is a self-exam of the breasts performed by a woman at home. It is an important way to detect breast cancer early.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer screening is important for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women should start getting mammograms every 1-2 years starting at age 40. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer may need to start getting mammograms sooner or more often.
Talk to your doctor about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The following are some symptoms of breast cancer:
* A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
* Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
* Skin dimpling or puckering
* Redness, swelling, or warmth in the breast
* Nipple discharge or changes in the nipple
* Pain in the breast or armpit
* If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Certain risk factors can increase a woman's chance of developing breast cancer, including:
* Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
* Gender: Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men.
* Race: African-American women are more likely to develop breast cancer than white women.
* Family history of breast cancer: Women who have a close relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer are at increased risk for the disease.
* Personal history of breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer in one breast are at increased risk for developing breast cancer in the other breast.
* Dense breasts: Women who have dense breasts (breasts that are made up of more glandular tissue and less fatty tissue) are at increased risk for breast cancer.
* Certain lifestyle factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption, can also increase a woman's risk of breast cancer.
Talk to your doctor about your breast cancer risk and how to reduce it.