Breast Cancer:
Education Plus Mammograms Equals Early Detection
By Julia A. Keirns
(This article was written for The Times Bulletin and The Delphos Herald and published in October, 2018)
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Organized by major breast cancer charities every October, its purpose is to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research.
Established in 1985, it began as a campaign to educate the public about breast cancer, the symptoms, early diagnosis, and treatment. Over the years it has become a year-long series of education and fundraising, with major emphasis in October.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation puts out a free brochure titled, “Know the Symptoms – A Guide and Checklist to Breast Cancer Symptoms.” This free guide can be downloaded from their website absolutely free of charge. It states that many of the symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional screening like a mammogram or ultrasound, but there are other symptoms that can be felt or observed personally, which is why breast self-awareness and self-exams are so important.
“I found a lump in my breast one day and immediately called my doctor,” states Mary. “He referred me directly to the hospital for a mammogram, ultrasound, and a fine needle biopsy. By the afternoon I was told that the lump I could feel was definitely cancer and I needed a core biopsy which would give them more details. It all happened so fast I didn’t really have time to think about it until later that night in bed.”
A mammogram obtains an image of the breast tissue by low-energy x-rays for early diagnosis. The goal is early detection. Cancer can be present with no symptoms up to three years. Early detection is key to survival. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram each year and those over 55 every two years.
An MRI scan can then be used to learn more about the size of the cancer and look for other tumors. A breast ultrasound can be used to detect other lumps or fluid-filled cysts. A fine needle biopsy is a quick, simple procedure, which removes some fluid or cells from a breast lump or cyst.
Cancer is always named for the place where it starts. If breast cancer spreads to the bone or any other place, it is still called breast cancer. There are many types of breast cancer, some being very rare. Once diagnosed, it is recommended to have the doctor write down the exact kind of cancer.
“I had not had a mammogram in three years,” she continued. “If there is anything I want other women to know, it is to get your mammogram faithfully. If I had gotten my mammogram like I should have, it would have been found much sooner.”
Survival rates vary depending on what stage the cancer is in when it is detected, which is why early detection is so important. Education and mammograms are most important. Know the signs and symptoms, be aware and take action.
“Life can truly change in an instant,” she states. “Don’t be a fool. Get your mammogram regularly. I have to live every day with the regret that I didn’t get mine done.”