2023-10-19 18:57:01
Breast cancer screening guidelines are a source of confusion; Due to its constant change over the years, and the differences in recommendations provided by multiple medical bodies. If women know their risk factors, they will be able to conduct the necessary tests and take simple steps that will help them reduce their risks, according to Dr. Holly J. Pederson, director of breast medical services at the Breast Center at Cleveland Clinic.
Pederson called on women to learn regarding risk factors related to breast cancer. So that they can communicate with their health care provider, inquire regarding the best tests suitable for them, when they should repeat these tests, and find out whether they and their family members can benefit from genetic counseling or taking medications that contribute to reducing risk factors.
Breast density
Pederson explained, “High breast density can affect the results of mammography, and is itself considered an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Health care providers may recommend – if there is excessive breast density or other risk factors – that you undergo an annual breast MRI or Take medications that reduce the risk of infection.
If lumps are discovered in the breast when a clinical examination is performed – but it is possible that a mammogram shows that the breast density is not significant – this is because mammography is the only one capable of detecting the actual breast density.
It is necessary for women with moderate risk factors to undergo a basic mammogram when they reach the age of 40, and to discuss their breast density and other risk factors with their health service provider, to reach the appropriate screening program for them.
The importance of annual examination
Annual examination is important for everyone; Medical science has not yet reached the stage of identifying women with low risk factors, who may not have to take many preventive measures. Women with moderate and high risk factors should undergo annual x-rays as long as their health is good. This is because regarding 75% of breast cancer cases are detected without any known or diagnosed risk factors.
Mammography can save many lives and detect microcalcifications, which may be one of the most early signs of breast cancer development. In addition, women should not abstain from regular radiological examination for fear of exposure to radiation. Because the radiation levels in these examinations are almost negligible, according to Dr. Pedersen.
Alternative options
For women who have dense breast tissue, or have been diagnosed with a higher risk of breast cancer, there is the option of additional screening, not all of which may be covered by health insurance.
Rapid imaging – a miniature version of magnetic resonance imaging – is an option for women whose mammograms have shown that they have dense breasts, and who want to undergo early detection tests, even though they know that inaccurate or incorrect results for the disease may appear.
Speaking regarding the effectiveness of additional options for mammography, Pedersen said that research has shown that 5 cases of breast cancer are recorded for every thousand women who undergo conventional 2D mammography.
While one to three additional cases of breast cancer were recorded; For every thousand women who underwent 3D radiography.
An additional 15 to 27 cases of infection were recorded on rapid MRI. An additional 13 to 15 cases of infection were recorded during shadow photography.
A 2023 study showed that screening with whole-breast ultrasound resulted in only 1.1 additional cases per 1,000 women screened.
Non-modifiable factors
Dr. Pederson pointed out that there are other non-modifiable risk factors in addition to breast density, including women with a medical history that witnessed childhood radiation therapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system). Responsible for fighting germs in the body), or who have previously been diagnosed with any other type of cancer, or whose family members’ medical history includes cases of the disease.
She recommended that women speak frankly with their health care providers to find out if there are any warning signs that require them to undergo a genetic test, indicating that these signs are not limited to cases of breast cancer in family members, but rather extend to other cancers such as: ovarian, pancreatic, or cancer. Metastatic prostate or metastatic stomach cancers, so the medical history of family members is important in evaluating potential risks.
Genetic testing can clarify the best treatment methods for patients newly diagnosed with cancer, and it can identify individuals who may benefit from undergoing a complete annual MRI, or from taking medications that can reduce the risk of infection, or from surgical interventions, which It may help reduce the risk of infection in people with high risk factors.
Modifiable factors
There are several modifiable risk factors that women can control to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Obesity is a risk factor for many cancers, including breast cancer, so ensuring that weight is maintained at healthy levels is extremely important.
In general, women should follow general guidelines for good health, including exercising regularly and following a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.
Dr. Pederson concluded, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an ideal opportunity to remind women of the need to be aware of risk factors and reduce them if possible. This month, we call on them to perform the necessary tests to detect breast cancer in its early stages, which are the most treatable stages.”
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