HEALTH & WELLNESS
Routine screening mammograms can lead to early detection of breast cancer
In the midst of debate in the medical community over when women should begin routine mammograms, the American Cancer Society( ACS) stands by its recommendation that annual mammograms for healthy women should start at age 40( www. cancer. org).
Mammography is reported to be the single most effective method of early breast cancer detection, since it can identify cancer several years before physical symptoms develop. When breast cancer is detected early, women can begin treatment earlier in the course of the disease before the cancer has spread, with possible access to more treatment options.
“ Screening mammograms can save lives,” says Dr. Dennis Citrin, a medical oncologist who specializes in treating breast cancer at Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® in Chicago.“ Cancers detected by screening mammograms are smaller, generally have a much higher survival rate and require simpler treatment.” The National Cancer Institute reports that screening mammograms can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women aged 40 to 74( www. cancer. gov).
At the same time, mammography has its limitations. Not all breast cancers will be detected by a mammogram, and some that are detected may still have a poor prognosis. Also, a small percentage of breast cancers detected by screening would not have progressed and may be treated unnecessarily. Lastly, the screening itself, and the possibility of having cancer, can cause considerable stress and anxiety.
“ I have never heard a woman complain of a negative breast biopsy that showed her she did not have cancer,” says Dr. Citrin.“ My view remains that the benefits of prevention awareness and early detection far outweigh any concerns.”
Although many women are concerned about radiation exposure, the dose required for a mammogram is very small and radiation exposure is minimal. Also, newer, digital mammography systems can now more accurately detect cancer in women with dense breast tissue.
Every woman should talk with her physician about when and how often to get mammograms, and decide what’ s best for her. d
Learn more breast cancer risk factors at www. cancercenter. com / breast-cancer / risk-factors.
88 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ OCTOBER 2016