Breast Cancer Survival Clues

If an abnormality of the breast is detected on a mammogram or by physical exam, then the patient will usually be referred for additional diagnostic imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. Depending upon the test results, the patient may be sent for a biopsy of the breast. The only way to definitely rule in breast cancer is by biopsy. This discussion concerns breast cancer survival, and aspects of the process of diagnoses and treatment, including recent advances.

Beginning in the early 1970’s modern mammography techniques began to become widely accessible for all women. Breast cancer survival beame a real possiblity for many women as screening and diagnostic tools were refined and perfected. Investment in research studies began to bear fruit and the process of diagnosing and treating breast cancer is very precise now.

The decision-making algorithm for breast cancer diagnosis and detection has become very advanced. But the actual statistics displayed below tend to vary greatly from area to area as a function of the patient and population demographics.

The discovery of a breast lump, whether by chance, during a routine breast self assessment, or during a clinical breast exam, can be stressful for a woman. Because a lump can be a symptom of breast cancer, all persistent breast lumps should be evaluated by a physician. However, the majority of breast lumps, approximately 80% are due to non-cancerous causes.

To begin, it is essential that all women over the age of 20 years old practice monthly self exams to ensure breast cancer survival. These self-exams help women to become more familiar with how their breasts feel and look, so the any changes that happen will be more easily detectable. Many women do naturally have some lumpiness, as well as an asymetry between the left and right breasts.

The main point of the breast self-exam to realize how the breasts change over time. If you find a new lump and it does not go away after menstruation, then you should discuss it with a doctor to have it evaluated.

It is not possible for a woman or a physician to know for certain whether a breast lump indicates breast cancer until imaging exams such as mammography and ultrasound and biopsy are performed. A breast biopsy involves taking a sample of breast tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine whether it contains cancer cells. However, there are certain characteristics associated with lumps that can suggest whether they are more likely to be cancer or non-cancerous.

It can be stressful to discover a lump in the breast, whether it happens by accident, during a self assessment, or during a breast exam at the doctor’s office. Since a breast lump can be a sign of breast cancer, any abnormal lump should receive a thorough evaluation by a doctor. However, the majority of breast lumps, about 80% of them in fact, are actually benign and non-cancerous. Whether via physical examination or mammogram, if an abnormality is detected in a woman’s breast, then additional imaging will be prescribed to enhance her chances of breast cancer survival through accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

- Stephan Grindley