If you feel a lump in your breast, don’t panic it might not be breast cancer but it is so important that you do schedule an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. Do not let a pandemic scare you from taking proper precautions with your health. Realize that some lumps in younger women can be attributed to their menstrual periods and disappear as soon as their cycle ends while other lumps often referred to as benign breast conditions such as a cyst or fibroadenoma will often simply vanish on their own.
For some people, their first instinct will be to worry but worrying causes stress which can lead to all kinds of physical and mental maladies, so take a deep breath and take comfort in knowing that most lumps, about eighty percent of the time, are not breast cancer. All that good news doesn’t mean you should take the harsh reality of finding a lump under your arm or breast lightly. Always err on the side of caution and see your health care provider as soon as possible. Failing to do so can be a deadly mistake.
4 Life Saving Reasons Early Detection Of Breast Cancer Is Important
Early Detection is Most Important in Recovery
Identifying breast abnormalities as early as possible for early detection of breast cancer through screening exams allows for more treatment options to be prescribed by your healthcare provider and gives you a better chance for survival if breast cancer is detected.
Before visiting a doctor do your research on the internet or local library and visit a website that can provide clear and valuable information regarding how early breast cancer detection can save your life. Studies show that patients diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage have a ninety-three percent or higher chance of survival in the first five years of detection. See a health care provider immediately if you feel an unusual lump that is harder or feels different from the rest of your breast to make sure you don’t have breast cancer.
Screening Mammograms Help with Early Detection
Every year, starting at age 40, it is recommended that women get screening mammograms because breast cancers found during early screening exams tend to be smaller and still in the breast area as opposed to breast cancers that are found due to symptoms which are often larger and more advanced spreading outside the breast area.
A mammogram, or breast X-ray, can find breast cancer before it can be felt which is important because the size of breast cancer and how far it has spread are two of the most important factors in predicting the prognosis of a woman or man with the disease. Getting checked regularly while combining clinical breast exams with mammography and breast self-exams can improve your chances of finding cancer earlier which should give you peace of mind and maybe even save your life.
Genetic Cancer Syndromes
If you have a family history of male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or multiple relatives with breast cancer you are at a higher than average risk for the disease and may want to consider getting checked for any suspected genetic mutations. This precautionary measure may help lower your predisposition to developing breast cancer by finding it early through genetic testing for the disease. If an underlying mutation is identified during gene testing, additional screening guidelines should be provided by your healthcare provider.
Trust Your Instinct
People who have gone through the experience of having breast cancer for the most part say that they wish they would have trusted their instinct and gone to see their general practitioner sooner than later. Oftentimes, they admit that the delay caused by their unwillingness to face the possible ugly truth of being diagnosed with breast cancer was a big mistake. Their initial hesitation was then often compounded by a delay in treatment, again caused by denial or fear of getting bad news.
Clinical trials and research are trying to better understand early breast cancer detection in order to tailor the treatment that is needed for different stages of breast cancer. Realize that breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening is so important.
Given the fact that mammograms are a quick process and readily available, there is no reason to put off this important and potentially life-saving screening exam. Consult with your health care provider regarding how often you should get a mammogram to ensure early detection.
