What a doctor wishes women knew about their breasts

It's crucial to focus on breast health, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but every month. One in eight women will face a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. This disease ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States, claiming about 42,000 lives annually. Early detection is vital, with a five-year survival rate potentially reaching 99% if caught early. This emphasizes the importance of screening, especially as breast cancer diagnoses rise among younger women.

Knowing when to start breast cancer screening is essential. Most women are advised to begin mammograms at age 40 every other year until age 74. For those above 75, screening decisions should be personalized. This marks a shift from earlier guidelines that recommended starting screenings at age 50, partially due to rising cases among younger individuals.

To complement mammograms, other tests may be conducted based on individual risk factors. For those with a family history of breast cancer or prior abnormal results, additional tests like genetic testing, breast MRIs, or ultrasounds may be recommended. Whether younger women with dense breast tissue need these tests is still debated, with differing recommendations.

Women with higher risk factors, such as a close family history of breast cancer or past personal history, should consider starting mammogram screenings earlier than age 40. Regular self-exams, while not shown to improve outcomes, can help women become attuned to their bodies and spot changes, like lumps, discharge, or changes in appearance and sensation of the breast or lymph nodes.

Breast tissues naturally undergo changes across a woman's life—during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, which can affect size, texture, and elasticity. Awareness of such changes is important to distinguish between normal developments and potential health concerns.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle might mitigate some breast cancer risks, such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are also beneficial.

It's important to note that men can develop breast cancer too. Men with significant familial breast cancer history should consult their physicians for advice. Additionally, everyone assigned female at birth, including transgender men and nonbinary individuals, should adhere to screening guidelines.