Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women worldwide and here in the United States. It accounts for about 30 percent of all new female cancers in the United States and mainly occurs in middle-aged or older women. While breast cancer deaths in the U.S. have been trending downward since 1989—largely due to early detection—the incidence rate of breast cancer has actually been trending upwards a bit, especially among women younger than age 50. Globally, the breast cancer incidence rate has increased by more than 20 percent and the mortality rate has increased by 14 percent.
Breast cancer does not affect women across all demographics equally. White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than women of other races, but Black women have the highest death rate from breast cancer and a higher risk of triple-negative breast cancer—a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. On the other hand, Asian, Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.
Other risk factors include:
Age: Most invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: These inherited genes are the most common cause of hereditary breast cancer.
Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer doubles a woman’s risk, having two relatives with breast cancer triples the risk.
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop breast cancer.
Lifestyle factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, lack of activity and being overweight or obese all increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
While breast cancer doesn’t always present warning signs, especially in the early stages, here are some warning signs that may present, that your body may be telling you something:
- New lumps or changes in the size or shape of existing lumps
- Change in shape or contour of a breast or unusual swelling
- Dimping, redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple turning inward
- Any discharge from the nipple (other than breast milk)
Today there are 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. and with continued vigilance, proactive screenings and regular check-ups, that number can continue to rise. Adult women of all ages should absolutely receive regular annual check-ups with their gynecologist and/or family physician and should perform self breast exams monthly. For women age 40 and older, mammograms—x-rays of the breast—should also be part of their screening process. Here are mammogram guidelines, from the American Cancer Society, for women of average risk to follow:
- Women between 40 and 44: the option to start screening with a mammogram every year
- Women 45 to 54: should get mammograms every year
- Women 55 and older: can switch to a mammogram every other year or continue with annual mammograms as long as she’s in good health
Not all Mammograms are the Same
Screening mammograms are used to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue which could indicate breast cancer. They take x-ray pictures of the breast in the same way that an x-ray machine takes pictures of a broken bone, but a mammogram uses a lower dose of radiation than an orthopedic x-ray. A 2D screening mammogram takes pictures of the breast from two angles while a 3D screening mammogram, a newer type of mammogram, takes several pictures as it moves in an arc over the breast. A diagnostic mammogram is an even more in-depth x-ray that is used when a lump, pain or abnormality is found during a screening mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram creates more images, often images of magnification of a specific area. Keeping it simple, a screening mammogram seeks to find breast cancer in its earliest stages while a diagnostic mammogram is to obtain a detailed look at an area of concern.
But Does It Hurt?
Well, to be honest, mammograms don’t feel great but the process takes just a few minutes and those uncomfortable minutes are worth the peace of mind and the ability to detect cancer in its earliest stages. A mammogram compresses the breast tissue between two plates (for just a few seconds at a time!) to get the clearest picture possible. You will have to get undressed, the x-ray technician will adjust your breast on the machine for the best possible images and you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the mammography machine takes the pictures. And that’s it! All done!