Short answer
Approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer their lifetime. Sadly, breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women across the globe. The good news is, there are proven ways to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and to detect it earlier, according to Matthew Mondi, M.D., a surgical oncologist with Piedmont Physicians Surgical Oncology at Augusta.
Most major health organizations have recommendations for breast cancer screening and prevention, supported by the latest scientific evidence, Dr. Mondi said, and screening tests can be performed on asymptomatic individuals in order to detect cancers earlier.
"We know that screening is most beneficial for people who are at higher risk of developing cancer," Dr. Mondi said. "There are some key questions you may want to ask yourself and then discuss with your physician." They include:
- What is my risk for developing breast cancer?
- What can I do to lower my risk?
- What screening studies would be best for me?
- When and how often should I get screened?
Long answer
The biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being female and advancing age, Dr. Mondi said. Other nonmodifiable risk factors include:
- Family history of breast cancer
- Genetic mutations associated with breast cancer risk
- Prior high-risk biopsy results
- Radiation to the chest at a young age
- Dense breast tissue on mammograms
- Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
- Early menarche
- Late menopause
- Nulliparity
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Combined hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Excess body weight
- Diets high in saturated fats and low in omega-3 fatty acids
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor sleep quality
Dr. Mondi clarified the current general screening recommendations as:
- Women age 40-74 should have an annual clinical breast exam along with a screening mammogram, preferably with tomosynthesis (3D mammography shown to enhance the detection rate and reduce the callback frequency).
- Women should be assessed for their breast cancer risk by age 25 to help develop an optimal screening plan.
- Women at a high risk (> 20% lifetime risk) or intermediate risk (15-20% lifetime risk) may benefit from earlier screening starting at age 30 and access to supplemental screening studies.
- Common supplemental screening studies include MRI, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced mammography.
- There is no clear consensus regarding screening for women over age 75.
"Mammogram is the most affordable, available and well-studied breast screening study," Dr. Mondi stressed. "We know that in average and high-risk populations, it absolutely makes a difference."
Caveats
If you are experiencing breast symptoms such as pain, lumps, nipple discharge, swelling or skin changes, please seek medical attention promptly, Dr. Mondi said. "A visit with a health care provider can allow for a thoughtful assessment of the situation. This should include a breast exam and any diagnostic imaging studies or biopsies, as indicated."
Empower yourself, and book your annual mammogram at any of our convenient Piedmont locations.