Breast cancer awareness is necessary with mammograms being the best early detection approach. Making educated health decisions requires understanding risk factors and avoiding false positives…

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast cancer awareness is a vital initiative that educates women on the symptoms and treatment of the second largest cause of death for women worldwide.

Early detection from regular screens boosts survival. Mammograms are the best early detection approach since they detect cancer before symptoms appear.

The recommended age for frequent mammograms has fluctuated from 40 to 50 and back to 40.

However, the agreement is that women should be able to start annual mammography screening at 40.

Women aged 45 to 54 should undergo annual mammograms, while those 55 and older should transition to biennial or continue yearly screening.

AIIMS in Delhi detected 30% of breast cancers in women under 40.

IndiaToday quoted Birla Fertility & IVF Consultant Dr. Lavi Sindhu.Inactive lifestyle, obesity, alcohol intake, family history of cancer, radiation exposure, reproductive history (age of menstruation and pregnancy), tobacco use, and postmenopausal hormone therapy are key risk factors.

“Early detection through regular screenings and understanding risk factors can empower women to make informed choices about their health and well-being,” said Dr. Sindhu.

Beginning screenings at this age provides for early detection and treatment, according to Dr. Devavrat Arya, Senior Director, Max Hospital, Saket.

Breast self-examinations, clinical breast exams, and mammography help detect breast cancer abnormalities.

“A mammography, or breast X-ray, is the greatest early breast cancer screening test. Dr. Devavrat Arya suggested ultrasounds or MRIs.

Regular breast cancer tests can detect cancer, although false-positives are possible. The expert said false positives can cause unneeded tests, biopsies, and anxiety.

However, Dr. Arya warned that these advice may not apply to everyone. Other factors to examine include family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, chest radiation treatment, benign breast problems, and hormonal issues.

The specialist stressed that all women, regardless of age, must monitor their breast health.

Conclusion

Breast cancer awareness works to educate women on the symptoms and treatment of the second biggest cause of death for women worldwide. Early detection and survival rates depend on regular screenings, especially mammography. Annual mammograms should begin at 40, according to the consensus. From 45 to 54, mammograms should be done annually; 55 and older should move to biannual or yearly screening. Research suggests 30% of breast cancers occur in women under 40. Inactivity, obesity, alcohol, family history, radiation exposure, reproductive history, tobacco use, and postmenopausal hormone therapy are risk factors. Early tests help women make health decisions.

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