This can be done through screening. X-ray mammography and clinical breast exam are the most common screening methods. Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk and additional testing tools such as genetic testing or breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging are available.
Breast self-examination is a form of screening although numerous studies have showed that it does not have a survival benefit for women because research shows that cancers that can be detected tend to be at a relatively advanced stage. The other shortcoming of breast self-examination is that it causes considerable anxiety.
X-ray mammography is another breast cancer detection method. In this screening method, x-rays are used to detect unusual masses or lumps. Experts recommend regular mammography as a screening tool in women over a certain age. Genetic testing is another screening method where BRCA genes are tested for mutations. It is generally a recommended technique for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Experts say that breast cancer is as a result of environmental as well as hereditary factors. It is also said that the risk of this type of cancer gradually increases with age. Other factors known to increase the risk of breast cancer are early puberty, late menopause and not having a first child after the age of 30. Research also shows that the risk is lower if a woman has a short menstrual life or gets a first child before the age of 18. Early breast cancer detection is critical because it leads to early treatment and hence survival.
