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Although October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer affects so many people that we should be talking about it much more than once a year. In the United States, approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. And breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The good news is that effective treatment is available, and early intervention can lead to excellent outcomes: When breast cancer is detected and treated in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is remarkably high.
Who should be screened and when?
Not everyone has the same risk for breast cancer, so as a women’s health provider, I ask my patients to complete a questionnaire about their medical history — including their family’s history of cancer. Women who are at average risk for breast cancer should be screened annually starting at age 40. For women with higher risk, we often recommend screening at a younger age and more frequently. In these cases, we also discuss options for genetic testing to better determine the lifetime likelihood of developing breast cancer.
The gold standard for breast cancer screening is a three-dimensional mammogram, which uses low-radiation X-rays to look for abnormalities like tumors or calcifications within the breast tissue. If any abnormalities are detected, your provider will talk with you about next steps such as additional imaging or a biopsy.
Breast cancer diagnoses can feel scary, but the more information you have, the better your provider can tailor a treatment plan to meet your needs. Early diagnosis and intervention are always best.
What should women do on their own to detect breast cancer early?
I encourage all women to develop what I call breast self-awareness. Pay attention to any changes in your breasts — pain, lumps, masses and any discharge unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you or a partner notice any of these symptoms, contact your medical provider right away.
It’s also important to come in regularly for well-woman appointments. These visits give your provider the opportunity to conduct a breast exam and talk through any questions, changes or discomfort you are experiencing.
Beyond this, I encourage my patients to talk with their families about any history of breast cancer or other health issues. This information is important for women of all ages, including younger women. Most breast cancer is diagnosed in women over age 50, but breast cancer diagnoses in women younger than 45 have been slowly increasing over time.
Addressing misconceptions
There is a persistent idea that mammograms are very, very uncomfortable. I want to assure people that mammography machines have improved quite a bit. The process usually takes just a few minutes. And if you’re feeling nervous or uncomfortable, please say something to your technician. They will do their best to make the experience as painless and efficient as possible.
Mammograms are kind of like the news: no one mentions them if they go as planned and cause no problems (which is most of the time). They’re only “newsworthy” if something goes wrong.
I want all women to have comfortable experiences with mammograms. At the same time, even if it is a little uncomfortable, a mammogram that provides early detection may help you avoid far more pain and discomfort associated with a cancer diagnosis later on. When breast cancer is detected early, there are more effective and less invasive treatment options.
Increasing awareness and screening options
Because breast cancer is so common, we want to make it as easy as possible for our patients to get their screenings. Mendocino Coast Clinics is hosting a MammoVan event on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The van, sponsored by Partnership HealthPlan of California and run by Alinea Medical Imaging, is equipped with state-of-the-art 3D digital mammography. MCC patients can call to schedule appointments, and walk-ins will be accepted if the schedule allows. As an extra incentive, there will be free coffee from El Mitote and other giveaways.
In October, many of us who work in women’s health wear pink scrubs to start the conversation about breast cancer. Talking about it is so important. Remind your friends and family to schedule their mammograms. When you have a good mammogram experience, tell people about it! We don’t want the only stories out there to be about times when things don’t go smoothly. And if you can, volunteer at events that support breast cancer research or donate money to breast cancer causes, like the Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County.
Please, get your annual mammograms, pay attention to changes in your health, and have open conversations about your well-being. Body awareness, transparent dialogue, and regular screenings all contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Kei Velazquez is a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner at Mendocino Coast Clinics, a federally qualified health center that has provided high-quality, patient-centered health care to those on the Mendocino Coast for more than 30 years.