The Importance of Early Breast Cancer Detection

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among American women, second only to skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. That number includes those still being treated and those who have completed treatment.

This statistic emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures to prevent or detect breast cancer early.

Recognizing Breast Cancer Symptoms

Many women diagnosed with breast cancer do not experience noticeable symptoms. Often, the disease is detected through routine screening mammograms. However, some women may discover a lump themselves.

These lumps are typically painless. They may be accompanied by other signs, such as nipple discharge, a feeling of fullness in the breast or changes in breast appearance. Other symptoms may include skin changes, such as dimpling, redness or thickening of the breast tissue. In some cases, the nipple may become inverted or develop scaling or crusting.

“In rare instances, breast cancer may be identified after a woman presents with fullness, a mass or discomfort in the underarm area,” shares Jessica Burns, MD, a fellowship-trained surgeon with ProMedica Physicians Breast Surgery. She emphasizes that not all lumps are cancerous, and any noticeable changes should be evaluated by a physician.

Dr. Burns also notes, “Most women diagnosed with a new breast cancer do not have any noticeable findings on a self-breast examination or clinical breast examination. These cancers are most often detected on an annual screening mammogram. Even when the woman has had a normal mammogram the year prior.”

Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Control

Breast cancer risk factors fall into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. In other words, what you can change and what you cannot. Age is the most significant risk factor, with most cases diagnosed after age 50. Other non-modifiable risks include:

• Having a first-degree relative with breast cancer.
• Having dense breast tissue.
• Your reproductive history.
• Having genetic mutations on specific genes.

However, your genetics aren’t everything. Dr. Burns explains, “Only approximately five to 10% of patients with breast cancer have a known genetic mutation that put them at a greater risk to develop the disease. Most patients diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history that can account for their disease.”

Reduce Breast Cancer Risk With Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle choices can help reduce risk. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake are all recommended.

“While these are all important steps that can be taken to reduce the overall risk of breast cancer, they cannot guarantee that a person will not develop cancer,” says Dr. Burns.

She describes most breast cancers as “sporadic” and “multifactorial”. This means that they may result from a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.

One thing that you don’t need to worry about when it comes to breast cancer prevention are bras and antiperspirants. “There is no evidence that any type of bra, with or without an underwire, has any impact on the risk of or development of breast cancer.” Regarding deodorants, she adds, “This has been refuted by multiple scientific studies that have failed to prove a link between deodorant/antiperspirant and breast cancer.”

Screening and Early Detection

Routine screenings are vital for early detection. Mammograms are the most effective tool for identifying changes in breast tissue. These tests use low-radiation-dose X-rays to detect cancerous or high-risk benign conditions early, before symptoms appear. “Mammograms are compared year to year to help detect changes in the breast tissue over time,” explains Dr. Burns.

Women at an average risk for breast cancer should begin annual mammograms at age 40. Those with higher risk factors may need to start earlier or have more frequent screenings. For women with a strong family history or known genetic mutations, additional screening methods, such as breast MRI, may be recommended. MRI can detect cancers that mammograms might miss, especially in women with dense breast tissue.

In addition to mammograms, regularly watch for any changes in your breasts. “The most important thing is to identify what your ‘normal’ is. And note any changes from how things normally look and feel,” Dr. Burns advises.

Talk to your physician about your personal risk factors and the best screening schedule for you. As Dr. Burns emphasizes, “One of the most important choices you can make is to be screened.”

Being informed, proactive and engaged in your health can make a significant difference. Whether it’s scheduling your annual mammogram, or making healthier lifestyle choices, every step counts toward reducing your risk and catching breast cancer early.

Jessica Burns, MD
Dr. Burns is a fellowship trained breast surgeon with ProMedica Physicians. View her profile.