Let's Talk About the Importance of Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is common enough that you likely know someone who’s been affected by the disease. And the numbers certainly reflect this — 1 out of 3 cancer diagnoses among women is for breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women.

Given the high prevalence of breast cancer and the potential seriousness of the disease — breast cancer claims more than 42,000 lives in the United States each year — screening should top every woman’s healthcare checklist.

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the US, it’s an excellent opportunity to discuss potentially life-saving screening. The team of board-certified women’s health specialists at North Atlanta OB/GYN works with all our patients to ensure they are up to date on important screenings, and breast cancer screening is one not to miss. 

What we mean by breast cancer screening

When we discuss screening for breast cancer, we’re referring to non-invasive imaging. The frontline screening tool is the mammogram, which uses X-rays to detect irregularities in breast tissues.

Other screening methods include MRI or ultrasound, which provide more detailed imaging.

So, the good news is that screening for breast cancer is harmless and easy.

Who should screen for breast cancer and when

Breast cancer rates have largely fallen thanks to early detection due to screening, but we are seeing an uptick in younger patients. So, the latest screening recommendations for women of average risk (more on this in a minute) include:

• Optional screening between 40 and 44
• Annual screening between the ages of 45 and 54
• Screening every other year or every year after the age of 55

These screenings should continue for the rest of your life as long as you’re in good health and expect to live another 10 years.

Breast cancer screening for higher-risk women

Now let’s look at some factors that may heighten your risk for breast cancer, which can increase your screening schedule.

The biggest risk factors for breast cancer include:

• A personal history of breast cancer
• A family history of breast cancer, especially first relatives like a mother or sister
• Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation
• Having radiation to the chest before the age of 30
• Having very dense breast tissue

If you check any of these boxes, we recommend screening earlier and more often, but we can determine all of this when we meet with you.

The bottom line is that screening for breast cancer is the best way to stay one step ahead of this serious disease. With regular screening, we can catch the earliest signs of a problem and intervene quickly, increasing your chances of a successful and quick recovery. 

To determine the right breast cancer screening schedule for your circumstances and risk factors, schedule an appointment by phone or online today at one of our offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Marietta, Georgia.