Significance of Early Screening of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer; it is the most common cancer in the United States, and the second most common cancer worldwide, after lung cancer.

Some factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer, aging is on top of these factors; as 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of fifty-five. Other factors include a family history of breast cancer, genetic factors, length of menstruation, whether it started early before the age of twelve or delay of menopause after the age of fifty-five, use of hormones and contraceptive, as well as following an unhealthy lifestyle.

Further, some symptoms may indicate the possibility of developing breast cancer and prompts a visit to the doctor. In the forefront of these symptoms is the appearance of an unusual lump in the breast, a change in the size, shape, or color of the breast or nipple, a swelling or persistent pain in the breast. Therefore, it is important to perform a monthly breast self-examination three or five days after the start of your menstrual period.

In addition, early detection of breast cancer has a significant role in effective treatment before the condition deteriorates. Self-examination may help, however; periodic examination using x-rays diagnoses cancer two years before you feel it or even the doctor feels it through examination!

Given those reasons, you should consult your doctor to start a routine examination using x-rays every one or two years after the age of 45.