Breast Cancer Screening:
What You Need to Know for Early Detection
By: Suzana Marku, Nurse Practitioner
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we want to educate our community on the importance of breast cancer screening and the options women have.
According to the CDC, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (excluding some skin cancers). Although it is more common for breast cancer to develop in women over the age of 50, 11% of all new cases are found in women 45 years or younger. Those who are diagnosed younger may carry genetic changes in their BRCA genes that increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and other types of cancers.
Breast Cancer Screening Techniques
There are several different ways that a woman can be screened for breast cancer.
These include:
- Mammograms
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Clinical breast exams
- Self-breast exams
What is a mammogram and why is it important for you?
A mammogram is an X-ray photo of the breast used by providers to detect early signs of breast cancer. During your visit, your provider will determine if a mammogram is suitable for you. Routine mammograms are a good way of spotting cancers before clinical signs that a cancer may be present.
What is genetic testing and why is it important to you?
Genetic testing is a new source of screening for gene related mutations that may increase the chance of breast, ovarian and other types of cancer at a young age. Genetic testing is completed in office; a simple blood or sputum specimen is collected and sent to a genetic testing facility. The facility will assess the sample for 28 different gene mutations and assess your lifetime risk for developing breast cancers with specific patient medical recommendation. If gene mutation is identified or variances are present post-collection counseling is given with orders suitable to the gene mutation.
Women’s Excellence Makes Screening Easy for You!
Having an annual exam is a great way to ensure routine screening mammograms are ordered for the correct population and that MRI’s are ordered for those with already known high risk factors. At your annual exam, a provider will examine your breasts to ensure no masses are felt and will teach you how to perform your own breast checks at home.
Women’s Excellence also offers genetic testing at all locations to women with hereditary risk factors for certain diseases. At your genetic testing visit, your provider will educate you on cancer reduction techniques. Then, a small blood or sputum sample will be taken and sent same-day to a genetic testing facility. Your provider will discuss your results with you over the phone or in person within 6 weeks.
That’s not all! We are excited to now offer screening mammograms at Women’s Excellence Lake Orion. We offer convenient morning, afternoon, and evening appointments. All mammography screenings are reviewed and interpreted by radiologists through Kellam & Associates, affiliated with McLaren Lapeer.
For more information about breast cancer screening or to schedule an appointment with one of our OB/Gyn physicians, visit our live chat at the bottom right of your screen or contact one of our offices directly.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/knowbrca.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm