MIAMI — When it comes to cancer -- when cells divide abnormally, grow out of control, and destroy tissues, bones, and organs -- a proactive approach significantly increases the chances of early detection, which can impact some outcomes.
There isn’t just one way of detecting and treating breast cancer, a disease that is expected to kill about 42,170 women and 510 men this year in the United States. There are different types, so symptoms do vary.
Invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the cells that line a milk duct, breaks through the wall of the duct, and grows into breast tissue, makes up about 70% to 80% of the cases in the country.
The symptoms may or may not include a lump in the breast or in the underarm area, thickening or redness of the skin, swelling or a change in the shape of the breast, pain, or flaky skin.
Genetic testing, self-exams, and imaging tests can provide evidence of the disease. For diagnosis, a physician may recommend a biopsy, a procedure to get a tissue sample that is later examined under a microscope for abnormal cells.
RISK ASSESSMENT
A family’s breast cancer history may prompt a physician to refer a patient to a genetic counselor for testing to identify an inherited increased risk.
Genetic testing, a rapidly evolving science, can detect mutations in genes such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2, which play a role in preventing the disease.
Women with BRCA mutations face a lifetime risk of more than 60% and may choose a preventive protocol that includes surgery known as risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy to reduce the risk by at least 85%.
SELF-EXAMS
There are different types of mutations and different types of breast cancer, and not all can be found during regular self-exams to detect changes in tissue or during screenings.
The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer‚ a rare and aggressive type that makes up 1% to 5% of the cases in the U.S., may not include a palpable lump.
Triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive and fast-growing type that accounts for about 10% to 15% of all cases, can sometimes be asymptomatic in early stages.
IMAGING TESTS
Screening test recommendations vary case by case. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk get a mammogram every 2 years.
There are different types of mammograms, and physicians consider age, risk factors, and symptoms when choosing the type.
A 3D mammogram, or digital breast tomosynthesis, combines multiple 2D images into an approximation of a 3D picture, so it’s more effective. Researchers found that the use of Artificial Intelligence can improve detection rates.
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