Early detection matters

Breast cancer screening means checking a woman's breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. All women need to be informed by their healthcare provider about the best screening options for them. Some methods of breast cancer screening are given below:

Breast self-exam (BSE): Breast self-exam, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to find breast cancer early, when it is more likely to be treated successfully. Women over 20 years old should undergo BSE regularly. The best time to perform a self-exam for breast awareness is usually the week after menstruation (period) has ended. BSE is also applicable during pregnancy.

Clinical breast examination (CBE): A CBE is a physical exam of your breasts done by a health care provider well-trained in the technique. Women over 30 should undergo regular CBE.

Ultrasonography (USG): The USG is highly accurate in diagnosing a simple cyst of breast cancer in women over 40, and it is helpful in evaluating some complex cysts.

Mammography: A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer and tumours. There are two types: (a) screening mammography and (b) diagnostic mammography.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Breast MRI uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed pictures of the inside of the breast.

Genetic screening: Genetic testing is available for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Most breast and ovarian cancers are not caused by inherited mutations, so genetic testing will not help most women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer.

Besides, a breast biopsy is the only test that can diagnose and confirm breast cancer. Awareness surrounding breast cancer is incredibly important, as early detection, often through screening, can catch the disease when it is most treatable.

The writer is a Cancer Specialist at the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Mohakhali.