Carcinoma Breast Screening
Early detection saves lives—screening today can prevent sorrow tomorrow.
Normal Population
- Clinical Breast Examination: Start at 25 years of age, every 1–3 years until 40, then annually.
- Mammogram: Start at 40 years, done annually.
High-Risk Individuals (BRCA Mutation)
- Ideally, prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy are recommended.
- If not ready for surgery:
- Clinical Breast Exam: Start at 25 years, every 6 months.
- MRI: Start at 25 years, annually.
- Mammogram: Start at 30 years, annually.
Importance of Screening
Breast cancer screening is a vital tool to detect the disease early when it’s most treatable. There are three major tools for screening:
- Mammograms (low-dose X-rays of breast tissue)
- Clinical breast exams by healthcare professionals
- Self-examinations taught to patients
Mammograms are the most widely used method. Regular mammograms are advised for women to ensure early detection and intervention.
Technical Notes
- Radiation Exposure: 0.1 cGy = 4 chest radiographs
- Standard Views: Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) & Craniocaudal (CC)
Role of Clinical Breast Exams
These are performed by trained professionals to detect lumps or changes. Patients are also encouraged to regularly self-examine and report any abnormalities.
Why It Matters
It’s essential to remember that screening is not diagnostic. If anything unusual is detected, further testing such as biopsies may be needed to confirm or rule out cancer.
Bottom Line: Regular screening increases the likelihood of successful treatment and saves lives.
Written by Dr Ramanjot Kaur
Published: January 26, 2024
Last updated: January 26, 2024
