Learn about the benefits of participating in an organized breast cancer screening program
Screening exams are used to discover cancers earlier than a woman has any symptoms, and that’s why they are so essential and beneficial for all ladies. Diagnostic mammograms are used for women who already have symptoms such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or whose breasts have changed shape or size.
Early detection of breast cancer is extremely important, as it saves lives. The goal of screening is to detect early-stage non-palpable malignant tumours since there are good chances of cure at this stage.
Is mammography always necessary?
Mammography is currently considered the most effective method for the early detection of breast cancer in women aged 50 to 69 years. In general, screening mammograms aren’t endorsed for ladies under the age of forty. However, in cases where there is evidence of genetic mutations, screening can start at 25. In families with women at high risk of breast cancer, i.e. with more family members with breast cancer, screening is frequently initiated 10 years earlier than the primarily affected relative inside the own circle of relatives.
Breast screening is the handiest for women elderly 50 to 74. About 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. If you haven’t had a breast screen with us by the time you turn 50, we’ll send you an invitation to start screening. You can also make an appointment if you don’t have an invitation.
The European Guidelines’ principles will help you
European Countries follow and fulfil the European Guidelines, which are based on four principles:
- All women aged 50 to 69 years without any clinical suspicion of breast cancer are invited to attend mammography screening every two years. Together with the letter of invitation, the women receive a standardized medical history information sheet which has to be filled in before examination.
- The mammograms are then taken in the first screening unit where both medical technical staff and mammography system equipment have to meet high-quality standards.
- These mammograms are read independently by two physicians (“double reading”) who both have professional experience of at least 5,000 mammogram readings per year. In the case of discordant findings, the mammograms are evaluated in a consensus review involving the physicians in charge of the programme.
- If further clarification is needed, the first approach involves a clinical and imaging examination. If this assessment gives out a suspicious finding, a “minimally invasive biopsy” is performed, that is, a very tiny tissue string is removed as cautiously as feasible and is examined.
High-quality standards along the entire “screening chain” are ensured, among other things, by:
- recertifying the screening units at fixed intervals
- planned participation in further education training of all employees concerned in screening
- the use of standardized protocols for performing mammograms as well as for any necessary recall of women and subsequent further diagnostics
- regular assessment of the program (program evaluation).
Parameters are specified in the European Guidelines to guarantee the quality and outcome of a Mammography Screening Programme (MSP), including:
- participation rate
- how regularly breast cancers will be detected with the aid of the screening program
- at which stage breast cancers is detected within the screening program:
- Proportion of so-known as non-invasive “ductal carcinoma in situ” (DCIS)
- Proportion of small invasive carcinomas without lymph node involvement
- Proportion of invasive carcinomas in an advanced stage with lymph node involvement.
How many exams will be required to confirm a diagnosis?
To investigate a possible breast cancer diagnosis, your physician will record your medical history, conduct a breast exam, and arrange for you to have three tests:
- X-ray mammography (X-ray examination of the breast)
- sonography (ultrasound scan)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
X-ray mammography, also called mammography, is the method of choice particularly for older women (after menopause). Mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer, it might take longer than your routine screening mammogram did, you can usually expect the results of a screening mammogram within two weeks. If you’re having a mammogram as a follow-up test, you may get the results before you leave the appointment.
MRI may be used to screen women who have a high risk of breast cancer. In general, regular mammograms aren’t recommended for women under 40 years of age, in part because breast tissue tends to be dense, making mammograms less effective.
Sonography and MRI are specifically used in younger women or as supplementary diagnostic methods for the clarification of an abnormal mammogram finding.
If your mammogram reveals nothing unusual, your doctor may put the results directly into your record and nobody will call you back. He or she might assume you expect a call only about something abnormal. Make it clear to your doctor that you want to hear any and all results.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is not and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any changes to your diet, exercise or treatment, always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional.
The guidance provided may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Never make any decisions about your health based solely on the information provided in this article.
The author and creator of this article are not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from the improper use of the information presented here. Remember that each person is unique and therefore needs a personalized approach to health.
If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a qualified medical professional.