Breast cancer screening for early detection | OSUCCC – James

At home, in clinics and inside labs, screening is saving lives by helping doctors catch breast cancer early.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, but survival rates rise dramatically when it’s caught at its earliest, most treatable stages.

“The five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is over 90 percent,” says Bridget Oppong, MD, a breast cancer specialist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “Early detection is saving lives.”

While breast cancer diagnoses are rising, screening techniques and technology can give patients their best chances of successful treatment, and one of the most effective methods can be done at home.

Breast self-exam:

Breast self-examinations (BSE) are often the first steps in screening for breast cancer. While they can cause anxiety, they’re important tools for establishing baselines that can help make changes noticeable.

“Some patients say, ‘I don't want to feel my breasts because I'm always feeling something, and it just stresses me out,’ but I always advocate for self-examinations,” Oppong says. “Start with a visual inspection by looking in the mirror and making sure there’s no asymmetry or skin changes.

“Next is the touching, which you want to do in different positions. You can do it straight on, then with the arm up,” Oppong says. “I think it's important that women know to change positions, because if there is an abnormality, the change in position makes it easier to see and sometimes feel.”

To maximize effectiveness, Oppong recommends regular self-exams, and quick follow-ups if changes are detected.

“I tell patients to do it once a month, and just your use your birthday. My birthday is September 12, so the 12th is my day,” she says. “If you notice anything different, bring it immediately to your primary-care physician or oncologist.”

Screening mammograms:

Mammogram technology has changed a lot over the years, but the procedures remain among the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early.

The recommended age to start annual mammograms is 40. “But, if you have a family history of breast cancers or any cancers at an early age, I recommend starting mammograms five to 10 years earlier,” Oppong says. “For example, if your sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, I want you to get started at 30 at the latest.”

When choosing mammogram providers, patients are encouraged to look for facilities that offer the latest advancements, including 3D imaging like Clarity HD® technology, which is utilized at all OSUCCC – James mammography locations.

Genetic testing for BRCA:

As is the case with many health conditions, family history can be an important indicator of breast cancer risk, especially if there’s a presence of BRCA gene mutations, which can also raise the chances of developing other cancers, including ovarian.

“If we identify a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation, the chances are about 50-50 that children will be affected,” Oppong says. “So, family members should undergo testing — including men — to see if they're also carriers.”

Carriers of BRCA mutations, along with other patients who have increased chances of breast cancer, can participate in the OSUCCC – James’ high risk program, where they’ll work with doctors to increase the chances of early detection.

“We screen still, but it's more intense,” Oppong says. “We may recommend supplemental imaging, for example, MRIs in conjunction with mammograms.”

Learn more about breast cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/Cwrk

Learn more about cancer care and research at The Ohio State University:
Home: https://cancer.osu.edu
Blog: https://cancer.osu.edu/blog
News: https://cancer.osu.edu/news

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