Breast cancer screening guidelines what you need to know

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is estimated that about 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 68,260 new cases of in situ breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2023. About 41,710 women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2023.

There are a number of factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, including:

* Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of 50.

* Family history: Women who have a family history of breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

* Genetic mutations: Some women have inherited gene mutations that increase their risk of breast cancer.

* Other factors: Other factors that can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer include being overweight or obese, having certain medical conditions, and using certain medications.

There are a number of things that women can do to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, including:

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Exercising regularly

* Eating a healthy diet

* Limiting alcohol consumption

* Not smoking

* Getting regular mammograms

* Knowing your family history of breast cancer

* Talking to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer

Breast cancer screening is the process of looking for breast cancer before it causes any symptoms. There are two main types of breast cancer screening:

* Mammograms: Mammograms are X-rays of the breasts. They are used to look for breast cancer that cannot be felt.

* Clinical breast exams: Clinical breast exams are done by a doctor or nurse. They involve feeling the breasts for lumps or other changes.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms every year at age 45. Women who are at increased risk of breast cancer may need to start getting mammograms earlier or get them more often.

Breast cancer screening is not perfect. It can miss some breast cancers, and it can sometimes find breast cancers that are not harmful. However, breast cancer screening can help to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

If you are a woman at average risk of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms. If you are at increased risk of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about how often you should get mammograms.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about breast cancer screening:

* Mammograms are not always necessary. Some women may choose not to get mammograms, even if they are at average risk of breast cancer.

* There are other ways to find breast cancer, such as clinical breast exams and self-exams.

* If you find a lump or other change in your breast, see your doctor right away.

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it is also a very treatable disease. Early detection is the key to successful treatment. If you are a woman, talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and how to get screened.

Source: bard.google.com