Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide and is well-known to have a poor prognosis in later stages.1 However, if breast cancer is caught early, patients are far more likely to have better treatment outcomes. Since the risk of breast cancer increases with age, it’s crucial to begin the detection process early, beginning with self-exams and routine check-ups every year. When you visit your provider, they will conduct a breast cancer screening to look for potential signs of malignancies. These evaluations are vital to detecting cancer and beginning treatment as early as possible, when the disease is easier to treat and treatment can be less extensive.
7 Steps of a Standard Breast Cancer Screening
Your provider will follow seven key steps during your breast cancer screening:
1. Medical History Review and Risk Assessment
Your breast cancer screening journey begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history. This includes assessing your risk factors and selecting appropriate screening methods. Discussions about any previous breast-related issues, family history of breast cancer, personal history of other cancers, and any other relevant medical conditions are included in this process.
2. Symptom Review
During the symptom review with your healthcare provider, it’s important to share any breast-related symptoms or changes you’ve noticed. Whether it’s breast lumps, nipple discharge, changes in breast shape or size, or skin changes, it’s crucial to communicate any concerns. This open dialogue is essential for ensuring that any changes are properly evaluated.
3. Physical Exam
Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination of your breasts, including visual inspection and palpation. They will look for any abnormalities, such as lumps, changes in texture, or skin abnormalities.
4. Mammogram
2D and 3D mammography technology provides detailed images of the breast tissue to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. These screenings can detect small abnormalities, including tumors or calcifications, that may not be noticeable during a physical exam.
5. Additional Imaging and Genetic Testing
Your provider may recommend additional imaging tests, such as breast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), based on the mammogram results or individual risk factors. These tests provide more detailed images of the breast tissue to further investigate any suspicious areas detected. Genetic testing may be recommended for individuals with a family history of breast cancer associated with genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
6. Biopsy
A biopsy may be recommended if any suspicious findings are detected during the screening process. The procedure involves removing a small sample of breast tissue for laboratory analysis to help determine if the abnormality is cancerous or benign. Various biopsy methods, including core needle biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, or surgical biopsy, may be used depending on the specific situation.
7. Follow-up and Treatment
If breast cancer is detected, further diagnostic tests and consultations will be scheduled. Your healthcare provider will discuss the treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy, and breast reconstruction surgery. They will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you understand the course of treatment based on the stage and type of breast cancer diagnosed.
Breast Cancer Screening in Great Falls, MT
Great Falls Clinic is a leader in providing a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to breast cancer screening. Through education, risk assessment, thorough examinations, advanced imaging, and multidisciplinary care, we strive to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages and provide personalized treatment plans for the best possible outcomes. At Great Falls Clinic, we know that regular screenings are the best prevention against breast cancer, which is why we are committed to providing the highest quality of breast screening services.
Ready to schedule a consultation? We look forward to serving you.
Sources
- Cancer Facts for Women. (2023, October 31). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/understanding-cancer-risk/cancer-facts/cancer-facts-for-women.html