Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Women Should Go For Screening After 40 – News18

It’s the Breast Cancer Awareness month. Around 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer are reported every year in the world. ‘Pink October’ is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and routine screening for early diagnosis of breast cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer caused 670,000 deaths globally in 2022. The disease is treatable when detected early. Medical experts suggest women should get screened at age 40.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a kind of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue. Major symptoms include a breast lump or thickened area of skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue and a nipple that looks flattened or turns inward.

It is not clear why some people who don’t have any factors get cancer, yet others with risk factors never do. Experts say breast cancer likely happens through a complex interaction of genetic makeup and based on your lifestyle.

According to Mayo Clinic, the DNA changes that lead to breast cancer most often happen in the cells that line the milk ducts. These ducts are tubes designed to carry milk to the nipple. Breast cancer that starts in the ducts is called invasive ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer also can start in cells in the milk glands. These glands, called lobules, are designed to make breast milk. Cancer that happens in the lobules is called invasive lobular carcinoma. Other cells in the breast can become cancer cells, though this isn’t common.

In the US, breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women. As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42,000 women and 500 men lose their lives to the disease every year.

India reported 192,020 new breast cancer cases in 2022, accounting for 13.6% of all patients and over 26% in women.

Who Are At Risk?

Those who have a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease. The risk also is higher if you have multiple family members with breast cancer. Still, most people diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease.

Certain breast conditions, including lobular carcinoma in situ, also called LCIS, and atypical hyperplasia of the breast, are markers for a higher risk of breast cancer.

Poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use can also heighten the risk of breast cancer.

Other risk factors include increasing age, obesity, radiation exposure and reproductive history (age when menstruation began and age at first pregnancy).

Why Young Women Should Go For Screening

According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the new draft guidelines recommend women start breast screening at age 40 instead of 50. They should schedule mammograms in alternating years between the ages of 40 and 74.

The guidelines have been revised as more women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in their 40s. Research has shown that Black women are 40% more likely than white women to die from breast cancer. They also are more likely to be diagnosed in their 40s and with more aggressive breast cancer.

In India, the Radiological Society of India suggests mammography from age 40, once in two years. After the age of 50, it recommends screening for breast cancer once a year.

But women must talk to their healthcare providers to make a decision if they notice changes in their breasts. Depending on their risk factors and health profile, doctors may recommend mammography even before the age of 40.

“It’s crucial that women know their risk factors and receive screening accordingly. Screening, by definition, is done before there are any symptoms. Screening can help detect cancers at an early stage before it has spread, when there is the best chance for successful treatment,” Dr Leana Wen told CNN.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancers in the early stage have a survival rate of 99% compared to later-stage cancers at 24%.

How to Lower the Risk of Breast Cancer

Women should occasionally inspect their breasts. If there is a new change, a lump or something not typical in your breasts, report it to a healthcare professional right away.

They should limit the amount of alcohol to no more than one drink a day. For breast cancer prevention, there is no safe amount of alcohol. If you are concerned about your breast cancer risk, you may choose to not drink alcohol.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. Maintain a healthy weight; talk to a medical professional if you want to lose weight.

Some people have symptoms during menopause that cause discomfort. These people may decide that the risks of hormone therapy are acceptable in order to get relief. To reduce the risk of breast cancer, use the lowest dose of hormone therapy possible for the shortest amount of time, as per Mayo Clinic.