In the United States, breast cancer ranks as the most common form of the disease among women, second only to skin cancer. Sadly, it’s responsible for one in every three new female cancer diagnoses, resulting in nearly 42,000 deaths each year.
As we enter Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it’s crucial to highlight the significance of proactive health care. Let’s discuss the importance of breast screening and the benefits, limitations, and potential risks of a mammogram (X-ray of the breast).
The importance of breast screening
Breast health is a critical component of overall well-being, and one of the most effective ways to safeguard it is through regular exams.
These routine check-ups–often including mammograms–play a pivotal role in the early detection of breast cancer and other breast-related health issues.
Here are four reasons why scheduling a yearly breast exam should be at the forefront of your healthcare priorities–particularly for women aged 40 and above, or those with a family history of breast cancer.
Early detection saves lives: Early detection is crucial when it comes to breast cancer. In the U.S., the 5-year survival rate for all types and stages of breast cancer is a reassuring 91%. But when it’s localized (early-stage diagnosis), that rate shoots up to an impressive 99%.
So, regular breast exams are your front-line defense. They can identify things like lumps, changes in breast tissue, or suspicious growths long before other symptoms arise.
Finding breast cancer early also means less aggressive treatments, better odds of a full recovery, and a higher quality of life.
Monitoring changes over time is important: Yearly breast exams provide a baseline for monitoring changes in breast tissue over time.
Even if you and your healthcare provider detect no issues initially, having consistent records of breast health is invaluable. It allows your healthcare provider to identify subtle changes or patterns that might signal the need for further evaluation.
Tailored risk assessment: Women’s risk factors for breast cancer can vary widely. Family history and lifestyle factors all contribute to individual risk levels.
Yearly breast exams allow your healthcare provider to tailor his or her recommendations based on your unique risk profile.
Peace of mind: Routine breast exams provide peace of mind, reducing anxiety about potential health concerns. Knowing that you’re proactively monitoring your breast health can alleviate the uncertainty and fear that can come with the possibility of breast-related issues.
In 2020, breast cancer screenings dropped by 29% compared to 2019. A recent study suggests that the use of breast imaging services, including mammography, may still be at only 85.3% of pre-2020 levels.
Experts caution that many asymptomatic women may continue to underutilize screening, leading to advanced cancer growth. So make sure you get your exam this year to protect your health.
Who should get an annual breast exam?
Here are the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidelines:
- Women over 40: Consider annual mammograms, potentially earlier with a family history.
- Women aged 45-54: Aim for yearly mammograms.
- Women 55 and older: Continue with yearly screening, or switch to every 2 years, depending on your preference and risk profile.
If you’re under 40 with a family history, talk to your healthcare provider about starting self-exams at home as well as yearly clinical screenings. It’s crucial to prioritize your breast health–no matter your age.
Are mammograms safe?
There is some debate in the scientific community over the safety of mammograms–partly due to the radiation exposure associated with them.
But the radiation dose of a mammogram of both breasts is roughly equivalent to what we naturally absorb from our surroundings over about seven weeks. This level of radiation exposure is deemed very minimal.
Mammography is also rigorously regulated by the FDA and other governing bodies like the American College of Radiology. As long as the facility you visit is certified by these regulatory agencies, yearly mammograms are safe.
Limitations and risks of a mammogram
Mammograms are our most effective breast cancer screening tool, but they do have limitations. They aren’t 100% accurate and can sometimes miss cancers or raise concerns when there are none.
Women with dense breasts are more likely to receive false-negative results, which might provide a false sense of security. This is why it’s crucial to consult your doctor if you have new breast symptoms, even if your most recent screening was normal. Additional tests, such as diagnostic (more detailed) mammograms or breast ultrasounds, may be necessary to investigate specific areas.
False-positive mammograms are also possible, and can lead to anxiety and additional–often costly–tests, as well as unnecessary cancer treatments. But fortunately, false positives are estimated to be relatively rare–occurring just 1-10% of the time.
They’re also more of a concern for your first mammogram, or when past mammograms aren’t available for comparison. Having previous screenings reduces the risk of false positives by about half.
Despite these limitations, the benefits of regular mammograms typically outweigh the risks. They’ve been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality by about 40%, with the potential for less extensive treatment when cancer is detected early.
This statistic demonstrates the importance of a mammogram, as its benefits greatly outweigh its risks.
Schedule your annual breast exam before the year ends
The importance of breast screening cannot be overstated. It’s not just a medical recommendation, but a proactive step towards better well-being and longevity–and a vital part of every woman’s healthcare regimen.
So don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your yearly exam and start prioritizing your breast health today.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/index.htm#:~:text=Each%20year%20in%20the%20United,What%20Is%20Breast%20Cancer%3F
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-screening-pdq#:~:text=an%20early%20stage.-,Mammography%20is%20the%20most%20common%20screening%20test%20for%20breast%20cancer,women%20may%20become%20invasive%20cancer.
https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8579.00.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7237065/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2718688/
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html#:~:text=Women%20ages%2040%20to%2044,or%20can%20continue%20yearly%20screening.
https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(22)00347-7/fulltext?_gl=1*srdpam*_ga*MTQ3NTM3MTI3LjE2OTQ3MzA0NzI.*_ga_K9XZBF7MXP*MTY5NDczMDQ3Mi4xLjEuMTY5NDczMDQ3Mi4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.77238611.751314008.1694730472-147537127.1694730472
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796062/#:~:text=The%20most%20commonly%20cited%20risks,%2C%20anxiety%2C%20and%20radiation%20injury.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26757170/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556287/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4582264/
https://ajronline.org/doi/full/10.2214/AJR.17.18629
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25413699/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17043685/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23744281/
https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/Legislative-Issues/MQSA
The post The Importance of Breast Screenings: Did You Have One This Year? appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
What makes holistic medicine superior?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient’s lives. It treats them all as one complete package. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
People use alternative medicine for many reasons:
- They would prefer to avoid any surgery or harmful drugs.
- They believe that natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatments.
- They want to spend less.
- They feel more secure using natural products
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They are ready to take charge of their health.
- They want a healthier environment around them.
- They are looking for less stress in life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to have a better education.
- They desire healthy food to feed their families.
- They want safe, effective drugs.
What types of treatments aren’t considered holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not the symptoms. It promotes health and prevents disease.
Holistic medicine relies on natural remedies such homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture to replace drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine refers to lifestyle changes like exercise, diet and meditation.
Integrative medicine, also known as Holistic Medicine, integrates all aspects a patient’s mental, physical, and emotional needs into one comprehensive treatment plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there is no single cause for any given condition. Instead, holistic doctors consider the whole picture, including genetics, environment, lifestyle choices and personal habits.
Holistic practitioners place more emphasis on the mind, emotions and spirit than the body.
Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
How To
How do I deal with my girlfriend who trusts alternative medicine?
There are many resources available online for anyone who is dealing with a loved person suffering from a mental illness. There is not much information available to assist those who believe in alternative medicine.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Those who are skeptical about conventional medicine and those who are open-minded to its benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What do you tell your partner if he says he would rather go to an acupuncturist than his doctor? Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It’s important to ask questions. It can save you a lot of pain later.
These are difficult questions to ask without offending the patient. What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn’t believe so? Tell her that you don’t believe she’s right.
Here’s where things can get complicated. It can cause further irritation if you point it out that she is wrong.
Another option is to suggest that she consults a psychiatrist. This could lead to more problems than solutions. You might be angry with her for suggesting it. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
So what are you supposed to do?
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: The Importance of Breast Screenings: Did You Have One This Year?
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/womens-health/breast-health/the-importance-of-breast-screenings-did-you-have-one-this-year/
Published Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:24:26 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
What makes holistic medicine superior?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient’s lives. It treats them all as one complete package. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
People use alternative medicine for many reasons:
- They would prefer to avoid any surgery or harmful drugs.
- They believe that natural remedies work better.
- They prefer non-invasive treatments.
- They want to spend less.
- They feel more secure using natural products
- They want more control over their own healthcare decisions.
- They are ready to take charge of their health.
- They want a healthier environment around them.
- They are looking for less stress in life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to have a better education.
- They desire healthy food to feed their families.
- They want safe, effective drugs.
What types of treatments aren’t considered holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not the symptoms. It promotes health and prevents disease.
Holistic medicine relies on natural remedies such homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture to replace drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine refers to lifestyle changes like exercise, diet and meditation.
Integrative medicine, also known as Holistic Medicine, integrates all aspects a patient’s mental, physical, and emotional needs into one comprehensive treatment plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there is no single cause for any given condition. Instead, holistic doctors consider the whole picture, including genetics, environment, lifestyle choices and personal habits.
Holistic practitioners place more emphasis on the mind, emotions and spirit than the body.
Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
How To
How do I deal with my girlfriend who trusts alternative medicine?
There are many resources available online for anyone who is dealing with a loved person suffering from a mental illness. There is not much information available to assist those who believe in alternative medicine.
It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Those who are skeptical about conventional medicine and those who are open-minded to its benefits.
What happens when someone believes there are other treatments for mental illness?
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What do you tell your partner if he says he would rather go to an acupuncturist than his doctor? Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It’s important to ask questions. It can save you a lot of pain later.
These are difficult questions to ask without offending the patient. What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn’t believe so? Tell her that you don’t believe she’s right.
Here’s where things can get complicated. It can cause further irritation if you point it out that she is wrong.
Another option is to suggest that she consults a psychiatrist. This could lead to more problems than solutions. You might be angry with her for suggesting it. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
So what are you supposed to do?
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