Breast cancer remains a significant health concern for women today. With the number of cases continually on the rise, there is increasing interest in and attention to breast cancer screening methods. So, what are the methods that help screen for and detect breast cancer?
1. Understanding the Causes of Breast Cancer
1.1. Definition
Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells within the breast gland. These cells, when they reach a certain level of growth, form tumors. Scientists have found that there are two types of tumors: benign and malignant. Malignant tumors in the breast are breast cancer.
Breast cancer can metastasize to other parts of the body, affecting their function. If breast cancer is not detected early, the mortality rate from this disease is very high.
Early diagnosis of breast cancer can lead to a five-year survival rate of up to 90%.
1.2. Causes
Breast cancer occurs when female hormones lose control of cell division in the breast and stimulate breast cancer. Additionally, women over 40 are at higher risk of developing breast cancer because aging bodies make cells more susceptible to mutation.
Another cause of breast cancer is genetic mutation. There are many causes of genetic mutations, with about 5-7% being hereditary and over 90% due to environmental and lifestyle factors. These factors include:
– Older age at first childbirth, or giving birth after age 30.
– Early menstruation and late menopause.
– Regular smoking.
– Obesity.
– Use of oral contraceptives.
2. Commonly Used Breast Cancer Screening Methods
2.1. When to Perform Breast Cancer Screening?
In fact, women over 20 years old are the age group that can undergo regular breast cancer screening. Because breast cancer does not discriminate by age, once contracted without early detection, it can leave serious consequences.
Additionally, if any of the following symptoms are present in the breast area, screening for breast cancer should be conducted immediately:
– Persistent pain in the breast area.
– Severe itching in the breast area.
– Presence of an undefined lump in the armpit.
– Changes in breast shape or deformity.
– Back and shoulder neck pain.
– Redness and swelling of the breast area.
2.3. 5 Widely Applied Breast Cancer Screening Methods
Mammography
This is an X-ray method of imaging the breast gland, which is quick, easy, non-invasive, and provides accurate results. The individual undergoing examination will be provided with specialized attire for breast X-ray imaging. Then, healthcare personnel will take them to the mammography room to begin the imaging process. Low-intensity X-rays from the mammography machine will be projected onto breast gland tissues to capture images. Through this, doctors can diagnose and detect any abnormalities, if present, and determine the next course of action.
Mammography is a common method for breast cancer screening, providing rapid and accurate results.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is a common method of imaging the breast gland, with low implementation costs, non-invasiveness, and no harm to health, while maintaining a high level of accuracy. There are two common types of breast ultrasounds:
– Elastic tissue ultrasound: Evaluates the stiffness of lesions inside the breast gland. The greater the stiffness, the higher the malignancy.
– Doppler ultrasound: Helps assess the blood vessel spectrum in the breast gland. Malignant tumors often exhibit increased blood vessel proliferation.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI test is performed in necessary cases. It is the most advanced method of breast cancer screening today and also a highly accurate diagnostic method. This method uses magnetic fields to describe images inside the breast gland, ensuring absolute safety for women’s health.
Blood Tests
When a person has breast cancer, some indices in their body change. One example is the CA 15-3, CEA levels, which are known as cancer markers. Through blood tests, if these levels are elevated, it indicates a risk of breast cancer.
By examining specific biomarkers, it is possible to support breast cancer screening.
Biopsy
Biopsy is only used when a lump is detected in the breast gland. Biopsy can distinguish between benign and malignant tumors, thereby aiding in the detection of breast cancer.
3. Considerations for Breast Cancer Screening
– Bring medical records or previous diagnostic information about the breast gland. This helps doctors have information about the current condition of the individual undergoing examination, making it easier to determine the next steps.
– Truthfully answer the doctor’s questions about the symptoms you are experiencing.
– Wear comfortable clothing, preferably loose-fitting, to make the examination process easier.
– Avoid using cosmetics on the breast area before screening and detecting breast cancer.
– Make appointments before visiting healthcare facilities to avoid crowded situations and long waits.
– Choose reputable and quality healthcare facilities for screening.
Choosing a reputable healthcare facility for breast cancer screening is extremely important as it is related to the accuracy of the examination process and results. Therefore, if you haven’t found a satisfactory healthcare facility yet, you can refer to TCI – Thu Cuc Healthcare System. TCI is currently one of the preferred choices for many people in proactive breast cancer screening activities.
These are the details about 5 methods to screen for and detect breast cancer. Hopefully, after reading this article, women will have enough knowledge to protect themselves from this dangerous disease.
