Breast cancer examinations are essential for detecting the disease years before symptoms appear. Early identification is critical since survival chances are substantially greater when breast cancer is diagnosed and treated early. That’s why mammograms are considered routine yearly healthcare for women over the age of 40. Women with a higher chance of breast cancer than the overall population should begin screenings early and get a breast MRI in addition to a mammogram. Additionally, discuss your risk factors with your Trinity gynecology physician to come up with a screening regimen that is right for you.

Understanding a mammogram

A mammogram is a breast X-ray scan. It’s used to find out if you have breast cancer. Digital mammograms provide a three-dimensional picture of your breast, revealing any lumps or abnormalities like calcifications. Mammograms are the most effective test for detecting breast cancer early, often years before a lump is detected. Breast cancer can be detected early by mammography, allowing treatment to begin sooner, most commonly before the illness has progressed. According to studies, mammography screening lowers the incidence of breast cancer deaths in women aged 40 to 74.

Who is at the most risk?

If your mom, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) has had breast cancer, your chance of developing the disease rises, especially if the family member was premenopausal at the time of their cancer treatment. Also, you are at a higher chance if you have relatives with the disease on either your mother’s or father’s side of the family. You’re more prone to have breast cancer if you have a first-degree male relative who has it. Your risk is also enhanced if you have hereditary alterations (mutations) to particular genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Breast, prostate, and other cancers are more common in men and women who have inherited certain genetic abnormalities. Moreover, breast cancer is caused by a genetic defect inherited from your mother or father in about 5% to 10% of cases.

Symptoms of breast cancer in males

Males are born with a little amount of breast tissue that does not grow until puberty. Cancer can arise in this tissue on a rare occasion. Males with breast cancer may have the following symptoms:

• A little, harmless bump or swelling.
• Retraction of the nipple.
• Oozing from a nipple.
• Puckering or dimpling of the breast’s skin.
• Scaling or redness of the nipple or the breast’s skin.

Breast cancer screenings can discover the disease early on when it’s far simpler to treat and cure. That’s why, starting around the age of 40, annual mammography is a crucial aspect of women’s healthcare. Conversely, those at a higher risk for breast cancer should begin screening earlier and get a yearly breast MRI and mammogram. This includes those who:

• Have a high hereditary chance of having breast cancer.
• Have had chest radiation therapy.
• Have a history of breast cancer in the family.
• Have specific genetic conditions.

Talk to your specialist if you’re unsure about which early screening suggestions to follow.

Since certain types of breast cancer have no symptoms in the early stages, it’s critical to have frequent checkups. When a doctor identifies cancer early, the outcome is better, just as with other types of cancer. Call Suncoast Women’s Care or make an appointment today to discover more about breast cancer diagnosis.