Identifying any breast abnormalities for early detection of breast cancer as early as possible is the most important reason to regularly check your breasts whether you are a woman, man, or any of the hundreds of genders that are currently being accepted as the norm in modern society. Early detection of breast cancer through screening exams allows for more treatment options. Your health care provider will then be able to prescribe the best treatment for you. If breast cancer is detected, early detection of any breast abnormalities will give you a better chance for survival. Before visiting a doctor do your research on the internet or local library.
You would be well advised to visit some websites that can provide you with clear and concise information regarding your condition to be well informed regarding how early breast cancer detection can save your life. Discover which prescribed treatments are best suited for you, if breast cancer is detected, so that you may become empowered with knowledge, rather than suddenly overcome with stress and panic.
Screening Mammograms Help with Early Detection
Medical studies have shown overwhelmingly that patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage have at least a ninety-three percent chance if not a higher rate of survival. This is especially true if any breast abnormalities, denoting possible breast cancer, are discovered within the first five years of detection. Beginning at age 40, it is highly recommended that women get screening mammograms every year.
This is because breast cancers found during early screening exams tend to be smaller and still in the breast area. In contrast, breast cancers that are found due to symptoms are often larger and more advanced. Late detection of breast cancer can cause cancer to spread far outside of the breast area. A breast X-ray or mammogram can help to find breast cancer before it can be felt. That is very important because the size of breast cancer and just how far cancer has spread are oftentimes the two most important factors in predicting the prognosis of a person with the disease.
Always Err on the Side of Caution
Getting checked regularly by combining breast self-exams with clinical breast exams and mammography can highly improve your chances of finding cancer earlier. Take comfort in knowing that most lumps are not breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed as having a non-cancerous lump in your breast, you can have lump removal without surgery. Non-cancerous lumps are often referred to as benign breast conditions such as cyst or fibroadenoma.
In younger women, some lumps can be attributed to their menstrual periods and disappear as soon as their cycle ends. Other benign breast conditions will sometimes disappear on their own. All that being said, you would be well advised to see a health care provider immediately if you feel an unusual lump that is harder or feels different from the rest of your breast to make sure that you don’t have breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Impacts Men as Well
Men can have a noncancerous condition called gynecomastia. Men who feel tender breast enlargement with a lump under the nipple in one breast or both are well-advised to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you have a family history of male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or multiple relatives with breast cancer you are at a higher than average risk for the disease and may want to consider getting checked for any suspected genetic mutations.
This precautionary measure can help to decrease your chances of developing breast cancer by pinpointing it early on, through genetic testing for the disease. Whatever your gender, make sure to frequently examine your breasts for any lumps.
Clinical trials and research are working hard to better understand early breast cancer detection to tailor the treatment necessary for patients through different stages of breast cancer. It is important to realize that breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear and that many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening is so important. Given the fact that mammograms are a quick process and readily available, there is no reason to put off this important and potentially life-saving screening exam. Consult with your health care provider regarding how often you should get a mammogram. Finally, make sure to frequently examine your breasts for any lumps and consult with a doctor if you feel an unusual lump.