Overcoming breast cancer depends to a great extent on early detection and the rapid application of the appropriate treatment. Do you know what it consists of and what methods are available? If you are interested in taking care of your health or that of others, this article is for you.
What is breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer screening is a medical test used to detect breast tumors before they become advanced cancer. Its purpose is to find it as soon as possible, when it is still small and has not spread to other parts of the body.
It is important for women – and some men – to be screened regularly, especially when there is a family history or risk factors. Screening saves lives by finding this type of cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable.
Mammograms: the most widely used screening method
Mammography is the most widely used screening technique in women. It consists of performing an X-ray of the breast, in which the breast tissue is gently compressed to obtain a clear image.
It is an effective technique , but it is not without its limitations. Thus, it sometimes fails to detect certain types of tumors, especially in young women with dense breast tissue. In addition, it can show false positives and detect an abnormality that, after subsequent tests, turns out to be benign.
Nevertheless, it is still the most widely used screening method because it is very accessible and has a low cost. If you are a woman, as a preventive measure you should have an annual mammogram from the age of fifty onwards. However, this criterion varies according to the country and the population at risk.
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, other screening methods
Wondering what other options are out there besides mammography? These are the two most important ones:
- Ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of breast tissues. It is especially useful for detecting tumors in breasts with dense tissue or implants.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is a more sensitive procedure than the previous ones, but also more expensive and time-consuming.
Both options are usually used as an adjunct to mammography, mainly in two cases:
- Women at high risk of developing breast cancer.
- When mammography is inconclusive.
At present, there is some controversy about the routine use of these procedures as a primary method, both because of their cost and their limitations.
Breast cancer screening in high-risk populations
Oncology is clear. Screening in high-risk populations is essential to detect the disease in early stages and increase the chances of cure.
Since women with a family history are at higher risk, they should start at a younger age and have them done more frequently.
If this is your case, tell your doctor about these circumstances so that he or she can advise you on the best screening plan for you. In this way, prevention will bemore effective and abnormalities will be detected in time.
The future of screening: new technologies and developments
Diagnostic techniques are constantly evolving thanks to technological advances. Among them, the following stand out:
- 3D Mammography. It generates more accurate and detailed images of the breasts, reducing the need for repeat testing and increasing efficiency.
- Artificial intelligence. It is capable of analyzing large amounts of data with enormous speed and reliability. As a result, it helps radiologists detect smaller, harder-to-see tumors on mammograms.
- Thermography. This is still in the research phase. It uses infrared cameras to detect changes in breast temperature and thus locate tumors.
For all these reasons, it seems clear that the future of breast cancer screening is promising. Research and development have made it possible to greatly improve survival rates for these tumors. Medical science and technology are advancing exponentially. Consequently, it cannot be ruled out that the new forms of screening will rapidly improve and eventually replace the current ones.
So far, there have been many advances supported by clinical studies that have contributed to improving the quality of life of those affected. Thus, the use of olimine as a food supplement relieves joint pain and discomfort resulting from post-treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Early detection is, in any case, the best prevention system for both women and men.
You already know what breast cancer screening is and what an important role it plays in early detection, don’t you? It allows a rigorous and proactive follow-up that saves lives. Patients, health professionals and society in general share the responsibility of raising awareness along these lines, so share this information with as many people as possible who may be affected by this disease!
