Breast checkup

Breast cancer is one of the main health challenges we face today, so mammography is a crucial tool to detect any abnormality in time.

This breast screening makes it possible to detect tumors in very early stages, even before they are palpable in a physical examination. This increases the chances of a successful treatment in order to avoid future complications. That is why, when breast cancer is detected in its early stages, treatment options are often more effective and less invasive.

This can translate into better results and a faster recovery for the patient. It should be noted that it is always good to accompany mammography with a bilateral breast ultrasound as part of the screening.

Consequently, early detection of breast cancer through regular mammograms can help reduce the risk of complications and the need for more aggressive treatments in advanced stages of the disease.

How often should you have a mammogram?

Recommendations may vary depending on age and individual risk factors. In general, it is suggested that women begin having regular screening mammograms starting at age 40, and then repeat every one to two years, depending on the recommendations of the physician or gynecologist.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate screening schedule for you.962456415

Ultimately, scheduling regular mammograms can make a difference in your long-term health and well-being. Remember, your breast health is a priority, and mammography is an effective way to protect it.

How can we prevent breast cancer?

In Spain, up to 35,301 cases of breast cancer have been diagnosed in 2022, according to figures from the Observatory of the Spanish Association Against Cancer. What you need to know is that 94% of cases can be successfully treated if diagnosed in the first two stages.

The symptoms of breast cancer vary: from nodules to skin changes. More than 50% of women who are found to have breast cancer have no risk factors at the time of detection, hence the importance of regular screening.

For early detection of breast cancer, the most important laboratory test remains mammography. Any woman over 40 should have a mammogram every 1-2 years.

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There are 4 important things to keep in mind for early detection of any type of breast disease, including breast cancer.

1. Pay attention to any changes that may occur - a change in size or shape or redness near the nipple.

The warning sign is not just the appearance of a lump in the breast: there are many more signs that can indicate the onset of breast cancer.

• a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue

• change in skin texture, such as orange peel-like skin

Something as subtle as a change in the color of your breast skin can be a clue. Pay attention to any of the changes in the images above and talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

2. Check your breasts regularly

Breast self-examination plays an important role in early detection of signs of breast cancer. The more often you check them, the sooner you may notice changes if they occur.

3. Early diagnosis

Don't delay your visit to the doctor out of fear of what you may discover. Many changes are not related to breast cancer, but if this is the case the condition must be diagnosed early in order to treat it successfully.

4. Go for annual breast screening

Tests such as breast ultrasound, mammography or breast MRI can identify cancer even in its early stages, when it is too small to be felt. These investigations, performed in time, can save your life.

If you are under 40, it is recommended to have an annual breast ultrasound, and monthly breast self-examination at home.

After age 40, mammography plays the leading role in breast cancer screening, as it can detect changes in the breast that may be primary signs of cancer, but are too small to feel.

Breast cancer screening

Screening tests reveal the disease before symptoms begin. The goal of screening is to detect the disease at its earliest, most treatable stage. To be widely accepted and recommended by physicians, a screening program must meet a number of criteria, including reducing the number of deaths from the disease.

In breast cancer screening, a woman who has no signs or symptoms of breast cancer should have a breast examination, such as:

Clinical breast examination:

A physical examination of the breast performed by a physician.

Mammography

A low-dose x-ray investigation that produces images of the breast. Mammography plays a central role in the early detection of breast cancer, as it can often show changes in the breast before the patient or physician can feel them.

Research has shown that annual mammograms can help in the early detection of breast cancers when they are most curable.

Thus, a mammogram can also identify ductal carcinoma in situ (abnormal cells in the lining of the breast canal) that can develop into invasive cancer. Mammography is the only breast cancer screening tool that reduces deaths from breast cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast

MRI may be used in women at high risk for breast cancer, usually due to a strong family history of the disease.

Breast ultrasound

May be used in women who are at high risk for breast cancer and cannot undergo an MRI exam, or in women who are pregnant and should not be exposed to the x-rays used in mammography. Breast ultrasound can also be used for women who have dense breast tissue, meaning there are many ducts, glands, fibrous tissue and less fat, which makes it difficult to detect cancer with conventional mammography.

centers with this service - Breast checkup

• Affidea Atenea Aldaia Clinic
• Affidea Atenea Clinic Alfafar
• Affidea Atenea Clinic Torrent
• Affidea Atenea Clinic L'Eliana
• Affidea Tecma Clinic
• Affidea Group Manchón Balmes
• Affidea Grup Manchón Hospitalet
• Affidea Grup Manchón Hostafrancs
• Affidea Grup Manchón Meridiana
• Affidea Grup Manchón Sant Cugat
• Affidea Grup Manchón Tibidabo