Early detection of breast cancer: The key to survival

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Early detection of breast cancer is important because it can lead to more effective treatment and a better chance of survival.

There are two main types of breast cancer screening:

* **Mammography:** A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is the most common type of breast cancer screening. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, when it is small and may not be able to be felt.

* **Breast self-exam (BSE):** A BSE is a physical exam of the breasts that women can do themselves. BSEs can help women find changes in their breasts that may be a sign of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer start getting mammograms every year at age 45. Women should continue getting mammograms every year until they are 74 years old. After age 74, women should talk to their doctor about whether they should continue getting mammograms.

The ACS also recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer do BSEs every month starting at age 20. Women should continue doing BSEs every month for the rest of their lives.

It is important to note that mammograms and BSEs are not perfect. They can miss some breast cancers, and they can sometimes find changes that are not cancer. However, mammograms and BSEs are the best tools we have for early detection of breast cancer.

If you are a woman at average risk for breast cancer, talk to your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and BSEs. You should also talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

## Benefits of breast cancer screening

There are several benefits to breast cancer screening, including:

* Early detection of breast cancer can lead to more effective treatment and a better chance of survival.

* Screening can help women feel more confident about their health.

* Screening can help women make informed decisions about their health care.

## Risks of breast cancer screening

There are also some risks associated with breast cancer screening, including:

* False-positive results: A false-positive result is when a mammogram or BSE finds a change that is not cancer. This can lead to anxiety and unnecessary follow-up tests.

* False-negative results: A false-negative result is when a mammogram or BSE misses a cancer. This is less common than a false-positive result, but it can happen.

* Overdiagnosis: Overdiagnosis is when a cancer is found that would not have caused any harm during a woman's lifetime. This can lead to unnecessary treatment, which can have side effects.

## Talk to your doctor

The decision of whether or not to get breast cancer screening is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. It is important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening and to make the decision that is best for you.

Source: bard.google.com