As the ground goes from being covered in fall leaves to a blanket of ice and snow, it is easy to put breast health out of your mind. Even though October’s Breast Awareness Month may be over, statistics prove it’s critical for women to keep their breast health top of mind all year round. In 2015 alone, 25,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, with the number of projected fatal cases in Alberta close to 400 per year.
However, many of these cases can be into turned survival stories with early detection and diagnosis. Preventative screenings are key for early detection of breast cancer, both at home, and through a diagnostic imaging centre, but there are also a number of other tips Albertans can follow to optimize their breast health all year round.
Studies show that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in Canadian women, and understanding your personal risk factors can help you avoid becoming a part of this demographic. Getting screened for abnormalities is an easy first preventative step you can take. RCA Diagnostics outlines a quick-guide to breast health below:
1. Understand your personal risk:
Risk factors of breast cancer can include your gender, age, breast density and genetics. Women have a higher chance of getting breast cancer than men, as do women over the age of 60. Family history that includes ovarian and breast cancer in female relatives can also raise the risk, along with having a genetic disposition to two abnormal genes, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with dense breasts have also been shown to have an increased risk. Understanding your personal risks and how your lifestyle impacts these risks can help you in the long run.
2. Get screened:
A mammogram X-Ray is an effective form of detecting early signs of breast cancer. The procedure generally takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes and is relatively painless. During your first screening appointment, you will undergo a mammogram procedure where the breast is compressed under two X-Ray plates in order to create a clear image of breast tissue. It is recommended to get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40.
3. Preventative measures:
Practicing self-screening can also help with early diagnosis. RCA Diagnostics recommends that women take a moment each month to self-screen. They recommended that women begin this exam in their early twenties and look for abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, redness, changes in nipple size and abnormal excretions.
RCA Diagnostics provided us with some valuable information on screening mammograms for detection and prevention of breast cancer.
Screening mammograms are generally used for women that have no symptoms or signs of cancer and are precautionary in nature. “Screening mammograms take an X-Ray of the internal structure of the breast tissue in order to detect signs of breast cancer that are too small to be felt by a woman or her doctor”, explains RCA’s Dr. Valentine.
Diagnostic mammograms are used when an abnormality is found in a screening mammogram and are sometimes conducted for women who have previously had breast cancer, biopsy procedures or a history of cancer in their family. “During a diagnostic mammogram, more photos are generally taken in order to look closer at the area of concern,” says Dr. Valentine. “Depending on the case, we may also do an ultrasound or use varying imaging techniques in order to evaluate the concern more deeply.”
So where do I fit?
RCA recommends the below categories for each type of screening service:
Women who would have a screening mammogram:
Have had no signs of breast cancer in the past
Have had no signs of breast abnormalities in the past and include women over the age of 40 who have never been screened
Women who would have a diagnostic mammogram:
Have had the possibility of breast abnormalities occur in the past and include women who have had a breast augmentation
Include women who have a history of cancer
Include women who have had a breast biopsy or breast surgery in the last three years
Include women who have found an abnormality during a self-screen
If you end up being one of the many women who end up fighting this horrible disease, there is still a great deal of importance on screening and mammograms after the cancer is gone.
Once in remission, having to think about the possibility of recurrence can be a painful process. However, in order to prevent relapse, it is important to maintain breast health for the best possible outcome. RCA Diagnostics notes that the possibility of recurrence is common among breast cancer survivors but with the right steps, getting to know your breasts again can help save your life.
Following treatment, a woman’s breasts will invariably feel and look different. Self-screening can be a frustrating process for many, and it can at times be a scary process. Getting to know your breasts and your body again will aid in the healing process and help to detect early signs that cancer has returned. Through self-assessment, women will be able to get to know the new formation of their breasts and understand how to find lumps, bumps and abnormalities.
Changes to look for include:
Dimpling of the skin
Discharge from the nipple
Lumps
Rashes on breast
RCA also recommends looking for the following additional signs that could signal recurrence:
Bone pain
Chest pain
Abdominal pain
Shortness of breast
Persistent headaches and coughing
In addition to self-screening, counselling following treatment, continuing to utilize diagnostic services including ultrasounds and women’s imaging as well as following a routine of daily exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also aid in recovery.
So don’t just make October the month you worry about breast cancer. Make breast health awareness a priority all year long.
