Experts suggest routine screening for breast cancer prevention
SALISBURY, Md. – “Catching it early is everything,” said Lori Yates with the Maryland division of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
When it comes to cancer prevention, research suggests time is of the essence. Yates said, “Breast cancer is highly treatable if caught at an early stage.”
Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form in women, according to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
Because all women are at risk, its important to recognize the signs such as breast lumps, swelling, or new pain in a spot that doesn’t go away, just to name a few.
But even if you don’t show any signs its still critical to get screened. David Cowall is a clinical researcher for Peninsula Regional Medical Center specializing in breast cancer.
Cowall said, “More and more we’re finding women who don’t have any abnormality that they can feel or their doctor can feel in their breasts so screening mammography becomes very important.”
Experts say being proactive and knowing the facts, as well as doing routine checks can keep you cancer free.
Cowall also said, “The smaller the tumor, the less chance it spreads to the lymph nodes and the less chance it spreads to other organs. There’s a better chance we have of curing the patient.”
American Cancer Society experts say women at an average risk, meaning women who don’t have a personal history or family history as well as a cancer gene, should still get a mammogram.
Cowall said, “All women should follow the american cancer society’s guidelines for screening.”
Women between the ages of 40 and 44 have the option to start yearly screening. Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. So the sooner you schedule yours, the sooner you prevent getting cancer.
Cowall said, “Curing patients is wonderful; controlling advanced disease is helpful, but preventing the disease is the ultimate goal.”
