Breast cancer has gone from a taboo topic to one that’s discussed everywhere women go. That includes mixed advice about screening and the good news that earlier detection has helped reduce mortality.
But how does someone figure out what’s right for them as an individual?
Should you or shouldn’t you have a mammogram and when and how often? Or a breast ultrasound? Or a breast MRI?
What about having a new 3D tomosynthesis screening exam (sort of a 3D mammogram)? And where do self breast exams fit in?
It can be hard to keep it straight, especially when government panels and your doctor don’t agree. But most doctors urge women to have a mammogram yearly beginning at age 40.
Beth Long of Orland Park, Illinois near Chicago had some unusual findings on her mammograms. Doctors kept watch on it and finally, when there were changes, they recommended a lumpectomy.
Doctors know that when breast cancer can be treated at its earliest stages this affords the best chance for a cure. Lives are saved with this approach.
Recently I interviewed Beth and her doctor, breast surgeon Kevin Bethke, at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dr. Bethke explained the guidelines for screening and underscored their importance for you and the women you care about.
He also explained where ultrasound fits in and the positives and negatives of breast MRIs. The program, Breast Cancer Screening Saves Lives, is on Patient Power at
http://goo.gl/nnIk5/
It’s important to remember that most mammograms come back negative. And even if something is spotted, when it is checked further, with biopsy and ultrasound, the result most often comes back negative.
So while the risk of breast cancer is real, screening can usually rule it out or, if cancer is spotted, can detect it at an early, treatable stage. Beth Long knows it’s made a big difference for her!
About the author: Andrew Schorr is a medical journalist, cancer survivor and founder of Patient Power, a one-of-a-kind company bringing in-depth information to patients with cancer and chronic illness. Audio and video programs, plus transcripts, help patients make informed decisions to support their health in partnership with their medical team.
Patient Power is at www.PatientPower.info and on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Schorr is also the author of “The Web Savvy Patient: An Insider's Guide to Navigating the Internet When Facing Medical Crisis" found at www.websavvypatient.com/
Resources:
Interview with Kevin Bethke, MD; Surgical Oncologist and Breast Cancer Expert, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago; Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Recorded 3/20/12 and available online at Patient Power: http://www.patientpower.info/program/breast-cancer-screening-saves-lives
Interview with Beth Long, DCIS Stage I Breast Cancer Patient, Orland Park, Illinois, treated via lumpectomy and radiation. Beth considers taking care of one’s health to be a “gift” and advises other women to be proactive. Beth lives with her husband and children just outside of Chicago. Recorded 3/20/12 and available online at Patient Power:
http://www.patientpower.info/program/breast-cancer-screening-saves-lives
Breast Cancer: Early Detection-Mammograms. American Cancer Society. Web. April 13, 2012. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/BreastCancerEarlyDetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-acs-recs-mammograms
Reviewed April 13, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith