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Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention: The Importance of Early Detection

<blockquote> <h3>Fast Facts</h3> <ul> <li>Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American women, translating to about 42,000 women dying from the disease each year.</li> <li>When breast cancer is detected at a localized stage – meaning in the early stages – the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. </li> <li>During late-stage metastatic breast cancer – when breast cancer has spread to distant parts of the body like the lungs, brain, and bones – the five-year survival rate drops to just 28%. </li> <li>Top experts now recommend that all women start getting screened at age 40. </li> </ul> </blockquote> About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their life. And the fact of the matter is, screening for breast cancer can save lives. At its core, the goal of breast cancer screening is early detection. It helps find cancer early before symptoms appear and when it’s easier to treat. Keep reading as we dig into the importance of early detection, how to screen for breast cancer, and the simple things you can do – in addition to screening – that may help prevent breast cancer. <h2>Early breast cancer detection saves lives</h2> Breast cancer screening – it's not just a medical procedure, it's a shield, a protective layer that can make a profound difference in the battle against breast cancer. The importance of screening for breast cancer cannot be overstated: it's the difference between early detection and delayed diagnosis, between swift intervention and challenging, invasive treatments. It's important to acknowledge the role that screening plays in saving lives, and the statistics speak volumes about its importance. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. When breast cancer has spread to distant parts of the body like the lungs, brain, and bones, i.e., late-stage metastatic breast cancer, the five-year survival rate drops to just 28%. Regular screening can catch breast cancer before it reaches an advanced stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. It’s a lifeline; a means to ensure that you have the best fighting chance in the face of this disease. <h2>Breast cancer screening now recommended from 40 years of age</h2> Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American women, which translates to about 42,000 women dying from the disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a reversal on Tuesday, women are now recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to start getting screened every other year from age 40. Previously, the USPSTF controversially recommended that women should decide for themselves between 40 and 50, based on individual risk factors and preferences, but all should start by age 50. The shift links back to rising breast cancer rates among women in their 40s, which increased by 2% on average every year between 2015 and 2019, as well as evidence that earlier screening helps to save lives. Women with a higher risk – for example, those with breast cancer in the family or a genetic mutation – will likely have a more rigorous screening routine than women with an average risk. So, how do you screen for breast cancer? The most common screening methods include: <h3>1. Breast self-exams</h3> This is the “do-it-yourself” breast cancer screening, and it allows you take control of your own breast health. It’s a breast cancer screening method that puts the power in your hands – quite literally. Breast self-exams can be performed in several different ways. Essentially, the goal is for you to recognize what is normal for you. Knowing how your breasts look and feel can help you notice a change, if one were to occur. Using your hands and fingers, examine each breast thoroughly and methodically for any changes in shape, presence of swelling, skin changes, or dimpling. Massage each breast and the underarm areas for any potential lumps, irregularities, or changes in your breast tissue. When to do it? Most doctors recommend that you begin self-breast exams at around the age of 20. Each month, after your menstrual cycle, when your breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen, is the perfect moment to self-screen for any changes or abnormalities. <figure><img alt="A series of six illustrations showing how to do breast self examination (BSE) | Source: National Cancer Institute" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/OoYWbwHMqG/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>How to do a breast self examination (BSE). Source: National Cancer Institute</figcaption> </figure> <h3>2. Clinical Breast Exams (CBE)</h3> Clinical breast exams – performed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professional – are another essential aspect of breast cancer screening and complement other screening methods, such as breast self-exams or a mammogram. CBEs involve a careful physical examination by manually manipulating the breast and underarm areas to identify any unusual lumps, abnormalities, or changes in breast tissue. By carefully palpating each breast thoroughly, doctors can tell whether a cancerous breast lump or thickening is present. When to have it: For women in their 20s and 30s, they should have clinical breast exams every three years and for women in their mid-30s and older, these exams are typically performed annually. <h3>3. Mammograms</h3> A mammogram is a critical tool in breast cancer screening. It’s a low-dose X-ray of the breast that helps to identify changes and/or abnormalities deep in the breast tissue. During the exam, each breast is flattened between two plates to compress the breast tissue so X-rays can pass through it. Mammograms are highly effective at detecting breast cancer in its early stages, providing a vital lifeline for early intervention. When to have it: The new recommendation by the USPSTF urges screening every other year from age 40. To be even more secure, most doctors strongly advise women to have a mammogram every year. <figure><img alt="Woman Having Mammogram | Source: TheVisualMD" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/OoYBaZfMdG/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Woman Having Mammogram. Source: TheVisualMD</figcaption> </figure> <h3>4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)</h3> Women at a higher risk of breast cancer – for example, those with a family history or specific genetic mutations – may benefit from additional screening with breast MRI. MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create an extremely detailed image of breast tissue. For women with dense breasts, a breast MRI has a higher detection rate than a mammogram. Also, mammograms can only identify that a lump is present, but an MRI can help map the extent of the lump more accurately and identify other lumps that may have been missed during a mammogram. When to have it: For women with an average breast cancer risk or those that do not have dense breasts, an MRI is not necessary, but it can be helpful. If a mammogram is inconclusive, an MRI can provide more accurate results. The American Cancer Society recommends annual breast MRI in addition to a mammogram for those with a lifetime risk of breast cancer exceeding 20%-25%. It’s important to note that a breast MRI is not recommended as a screening test on its own since it can miss some cancers that a mammogram would find. <figure><img alt="Woman on Breast MRI Exam Table, close up | Source: TheVisualMD" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/8dnbXycvdn/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Woman on Breast MRI Exam Table. Source: TheVisualMD</figcaption> </figure> <h2>Screening may save lives, but it doesn’t prevent breast cancer</h2> Let's be clear: while screening excels at early detection, it’s not a strategy for prevention. Yes, breast cancer screening can help you spot cancer in its early stages, but it does not prevent the disease from occurring in the first place. Breast cancer prevention takes on a different role entirely, and there are things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer in the first place. <h2>The power of lifestyle choices in breast cancer prevention</h2> First and foremost, it's important to understand that there is no such thing as absolute breast cancer prevention. Breast cancer, like many other complex diseases, doesn't adhere to simple rules. While there are risk factors and ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it, complete and absolute prevention does not exist. So, while you can't guarantee absolute prevention no matter what you do or don’t do, you can still significantly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer through lifestyle choices: 1. Maintain a healthy weight. It may sound odd, but yes, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your breast cancer risk. The relationship between weight and cancer revolves around hormones, particularly estrogen. Estrogen, a hormone predominantly produced in fat tissue, plays a critical role in the development of many breast cancers. When you carry excess body fat, it leads to higher estrogen levels circulating in your body. This surplus estrogen can act as fuel for some breast cancers, particularly those that are hormone receptor-positive (ER+). This means that these cancer cells have receptors that can interact with estrogen, promoting their growth. And it's not just about the number on the scale either – where your body stores fat also plays a significant role. Carrying excess weight around your abdomen, as opposed to your hips and thighs, can be more detrimental because abdominal fat – which is often referred to as visceral fat – is metabolically active and produces more estrogen than, say, the fat around your thighs. <figure><img alt="Measuring Fat | Source: TheVisualMD" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/l8okLZt4d7/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Measuring Fat. Source: TheVisualMD</figcaption> </figure> So, by maintaining a healthy weight, the level of estrogen circulating in your body is kept in check. With less circulating estrogen, you’re depriving cancer cells of the fuel needed to develop and grow. But it’s important to keep in mind that maintaining a healthy weight is not merely about weight loss, it's about achieving and maintaining a balance that's right for your body. And this means different things for different people – not just a number on a scale. 2. Exercise regularly. The link between exercise and breast cancer is also about hormones, and again, specifically estrogen. Not only does regular exercise help to maintain a healthy body weight, but it also contributes to a reduction in body fat – both of which helps regulate estrogen production. But the link between regular exercise and breast cancer prevention goes beyond hormonal balance. Maintaining a regular exercise routine also helps strengthen your immune system, which is crucial for the identification and destruction of potential cancerous cells. Exercise also helps keep your insulin levels in check. Chronically elevated insulin levels have been shown to be associated with tumor growth, so keeping your insulin levels down through physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer. <figure><img alt="Prevention & Exercise | Source: TheVisualMD" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/DRdajNsXql/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Prevention & Exercise. Source: TheVisualMD</figcaption> </figure> Now, the important question is how much exercise is enough to potentially prevent breast cancer? Well, the American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This translates to around 30 minutes a day for five days a week. But remember, any increase in physical activity is beneficial, so don't feel discouraged if you can't meet these guidelines right away – just lace up your sneakers and get started! 3. Eat a well-balanced diet. Your diet isn't just about eating tasty food or filling your stomach, it's about providing your body with the building blocks it needs to function optimally. The role of nutrition in preventing breast cancer comes from food’s ability to influence the various factors that contribute to the disease's development. For example, phytochemicals, which are compounds found in plant-based foods, can help regulate your hormone levels. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale contain the phytochemical called indole-3-carbinol, which may help the body metabolize estrogen more effectively. Also, some foods contain antioxidants, which protect your body against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells. When free radicals don’t have antioxidants to keep them in check, they can go rogue, causing the damaged cells to mutate and become cancerous. But, by eating a balanced diet rich in colorful fruits (e.g., berries and avocados) and vegetables (e.g., spinach and carrots) you’re providing your body with antioxidants to rid your body of free radicals and protect against breast cancer. <figure><img alt="Healthy Food, Fruit, Vegetables | Source: FotoshopTofs/Pixabay" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Ro6R7wIXox/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Healthy Diet Rich in Fruits and Vegetables. Source: FotoshopTofs/Pixabay</figcaption> </figure> Additionally, high-fiber foods like whole grains, legumes, and seeds can help in maintaining a healthy weight and reduce the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, which is often linked to obesity. Fiber also maintains regular bowel movements, helping to remove potentially harmful substances from the body often and regularly. And let’s not forget about omega-3 fatty acids that are commonly found in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. By incorporating these healthy fats into your diet, you can potentially reduce this risk. So yes, what you eat can play a significant role in breast cancer prevention, but what you avoid eating can be just as important. Excessive sugar and highly processed foods can contribute to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for breast cancer. But it’s important to note that a balanced diet is not about strict rules or deprivation. It's about eating a variety of foods that provide a broad spectrum of nutrients, each with its own unique role against breast cancer. A balanced diet is a lifelong commitment to your health, not just a short-term breast cancer prevention strategy. You can’t just eat a bowl of oatmeal with berries once a month and expect that meal to keep breast cancer at bay. Rather, you must eat a well-balanced diet most of the time – with the occasional sweet treat – in order to reduce your overall risk of breast cancer. 4. Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. One of the key mechanisms through which alcohol influences breast cancer risk is its impact on – yes, you guessed it – hormone levels, particularly estrogen. Alcohol can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body, increasing the production of estrogen, which, in turn, can fuel the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Additionally, when you consume alcohol, it’s metabolized in the liver, and the primary byproduct of this process is acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can damage DNA and proteins, potentially leading to the initiation of breast cancer. But that’s not all: alcohol metabolism also generates free radicals, and these free radicals can damage cells, setting the stage for breast cancer. So, how much alcohol can you drink? Well, according to the CDC, drinking 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of all cancers, including breast cancer. So, you can have the occasional drink, but keep in mind that moderation is key. A glass of wine or a can of beer once or twice a week doesn’t seem to carry the same level of breast cancer risk. <figure><img alt="Alcohol and health | Source: Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/voJVQjTvo4/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Limit Alcohol Intake. Source: Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons</figcaption> </figure> 5. Minimize exposure to environmental toxins. Environmental toxins are everywhere, and they include heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and endocrine disruptors. The link between breast cancer and environmental toxins often centers on hormonal disruption. These toxins can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the endocrine system responsible for regulating hormones. Endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA) found in many plastics products, can mimic or block natural hormones, causing imbalances that may contribute to the development of breast cancer. Also, heavy metals like cadmium and lead, frequently found in the environment, can accumulate in breast tissue. Cadmium, in particular, is known to have estrogen-mimicking properties, which may stimulate the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Other cancer-causing environmental toxins include pesticides, which can also disrupt hormone balance. Some pesticides, known as xenoestrogens, have estrogenic properties that can also affect breast tissue. Then there’s parabens, a class of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products, which have been linked to breast cancer. They can mimic estrogen and potentially penetrate the skin. While you cannot entirely eliminate these toxins from your life, you can limit your environmental toxins exposure by eating organic produce or using paraben-free products. <figure><img alt="Persistent Organic Pollutants and Early Menopause in U.S. Women | Source: Grindler NM, Allsworth JE, Macones GA, Kannan K, Roehl KA, Cooper AR (2015) Persistent Organic Pollutants and Early Menopause in U.S. Women. PLoS ONE 10(1): e0116057. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0116057" class="img-responsive img-fluid mx-auto d-block" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/ZoBLbeTvqM/thumbnail.png" /> <figcaption>Persistent Organic Pollutants. Source: Grindler NM, Allsworth JE, Macones GA, Kannan K, Roehl KA, Cooper AR (2015) Persistent Organic Pollutants and Early Menopause in U.S. Women. PLoS ONE 10(1): e0116057. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0116057</figcaption> </figure> 6. Quit smoking. Smoking, the leading cause of lung cancer, doesn't restrict its cancer-causing effects to the lungs. The effects of smoking extend throughout the body, impacting nearly every organ and system, and among these impacts is an increased risk of breast cancer. Once again, the key mechanisms through which smoking elevates breast cancer risk revolves around estrogen. Smoking can alter hormone levels in the body, disturbing the delicate balance necessary for normal bodily functions. More than that, cigarette smoke contains a vast array of carcinogenic compounds. These toxic substances can enter the bloodstream and travel to various organs, including breast tissue. The presence of these carcinogens can cause cell damage, gene mutations, and directly damage DNA, all of which may contribute to the development of breast cancer. <figure><img alt="Smoking and Drinking | Source: TheVisualMD" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/8ojGWxuLd7/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>A Pack of Poison. Source: TheVisualMD</figcaption> </figure> Smoking also produces free radicals in the body. This imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to counteract their harmful effects can lead to cell damage and promote the initiation of cancer. So, next time you want to light up, don’t. Consider quitting smoking to reduce your breast cancer risk – it could save your life. <h2>StoryMD’s Breast Cancer Journey Library</h2> If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or are seeking guidance on how to maximize your odds of prevention, you can find your ultimate guide in StoryMD’s Breast Cancer Journey, a dedicated multimedia library covering every detail in plain language. Here, you can dig in on everything you need to know about risk factors, symptoms, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Find answers to frequently asked questions, understand the role of genetics, and learn what lies ahead on your journey if you’ve received a diagnosis. The StoryMD Breast Cancer Journey library was used to critical effect by Susan Tsiaras, wife of StoryMD CEO Alexander Tsiaras, on her breast cancer journey. She <a data-tabindex-counter="1" data-tabindex-value="none" href="https://storymd.com/story/Kq2Wwa9c4A-susan-s-breast-cancer-journey-part-1-storymd-health-s-technology-empowers-her-personalized-health" tabindex="-1">chronicled her incredible story </a>in an article published on the StoryMD site earlier this week. <h2>The takeaway </h2> No one wants to be faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. But if it does come, you want to be prepared. You want to have the upper hand, armed with early detection. And the only way to detect breast cancer early is through diligent screening, monthly and yearly. It can be the difference between a breast cancer battle and a breast cancer victory. But more than that, there are simple lifestyle choices you can make now that may help reduce your breast cancer risk altogether. Even though breast cancer doesn’t always play by the rules, the best thing you can do is control what you can control. So, embrace a lifestyle that minimizes your risk for breast cancer – your future self will thank you. <h2>More on Breast Cancer Diagnostics and Screening</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/jk7g9equbm-breast-cancer-screening" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Screening: Mammography and Other Screening Tests</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/9jkppl8ibm-mammography" target="_blank">Mammography: How to Prepare, What to Expect, Possible Risks</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/m8l34261pj-breast-cancer-prevention" target="_blank">Breast Cancer: Prevention, Risk and Protective Factors</a></li></ul>

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Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention: The Importance of Early Detection

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