Screening mammography is associated with improved breast cancer characteristics and outcomes

breast cancer screening

The purpose of breast cancer screening is to reduce mortality from breast cancer. Therefore, early detection and early treatment are very important.

Looking at the results of breast cancer treatment by the stage of cancer progression, if it can be detected at an early stage (stage 0 or stage I), almost 100% of stage 0 cases and 90% of stage I cases can be cured. It is Early detection of breast cancer has many other benefits, including the possibility of breast-conserving treatment, shorter treatment times, and lower treatment costs. It is possible to live without lowering the quality of life (QOL) even after treatment. Breast cancer is not a scary disease if detected early.

However, early-stage (stage 0/stage I) breast cancer has almost no symptoms and is difficult to notice on your own. It is very important to have regular check-ups including diagnosis.

Breast cancer screening method

Mammography and ultrasonography (echo) are used alone or in combination for breast cancer screening. Be sure to undergo a breast cancer screening including diagnostic imaging (mammography, ultrasound) once every two years. In addition, for those who have symptoms and those who wish to have a detailed examination, we have established a mammary gland outpatient.

Mammography

Mammography refers to X-ray imaging of the breast. Since the breast is made up of soft tissue, the breast is compressed and fixed before being imaged.

A mammogram image shows the entire mammary gland structure inside the breast, which is not visible from the outside. If there is a lump, which is a sign of breast cancer, it will appear white. Also, in early breast cancer, "calcification" may appear as small white granules.

The main feature of mammography is the imaging of calcifications. As for lumps, both mammary glands and lumps appear white, so in young breasts with abundant mammary tissue, it may be difficult to distinguish between overlapping mammary glands and small lumps. Conversely, breast cancer lumps are more visible in postmenopausal breasts, which are rich in adipose tissue.

We have introduced 3D mammography to the women's screening centre.

Read more about 3D mammography, which is said to detect more breast cancers than 2D mammography, here.

Breast ultrasound (echo) examination

Breast ultrasound is a test that uses a breast ultrasound diagnostic device to apply ultrasound to the breast and visualize the signals that are reflected back.

Ultrasound scans show the inside and surface of the lump. Benign and malignant can be distinguished from the image. In addition, it is possible to detect lumps even in relatively young breasts with abundant mammary gland tissue, and it is also possible to detect small lumps that cannot be touched by hand. On the other hand, calcifications that can be confirmed by mammography may be difficult to visualize by ultrasonography

.Breast Awareness

Breast Awareness means "be aware of your own breasts".

Knowing the shape and feel of your own breasts can help you notice any abnormalities. It is important to observe and touch your breasts on a daily basis.

Self-palpation is a self-examination that checks for lumps, changes in the shape of the left and right breasts, skin twitches and dimples, and secretions. Be sure to do this once a month until about a week after menstruation (on a fixed day every month if you are postmenopausal) when your breasts become loose and soft.

Not all of them are malignant, but if you notice anything abnormal, please visit a mammary gland specialist outpatient clinic.